Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla has rejected an emergency motion submitted by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) concerning recent changes to the Aasandha national insurance scheme.

The Speaker ruled that the motion did not meet the criteria for an emergency motion, stating that, according to parliamentary rules, such motions must address incidents occurring within the past seven days.

The changes to Aasandha, implemented last Friday, introduced new restrictions where non-admitted services, like doctor consultations, are no longer covered for individuals with private insurance. Previously, patients with private insurance could receive coverage from both Aasandha and their private insurers. MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim, who submitted the motion, emphasised that the changes impact the constitutional right to healthcare, highlighting that many residents, particularly in the capital, are struggling to access affordable medical services amid high living costs.

Ibrahim also pointed to the National System of Social Insurance Act, which allows for additional funding requests to ensure the insurance scheme's viability. He urged parliament to act on behalf of the public and hold the government accountable, stressing that healthcare access must be preserved to avoid further hardship for citizens.