The Government’s plan to limit Aasandha services for people earning more than MVR 60,000 a month will not take effect tomorrow, with the proposal still under discussion, Health Minister Geela Ali has said.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, Geela said discussions were ongoing between the Ministries of Health and Finance, Aasandha, and hospitals to determine the most feasible approach. The proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for a final decision.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced earlier this month that the Government planned to introduce changes to Aasandha from October, stating that providing the same level of free healthcare to wealthy and low-income groups was not equitable. He also said income taxpayers should not be entitled to all services free of charge.

Geela said the implementation date for the proposed changes would be determined after the Cabinet’s decision.