Banks have arranged for patients traveling abroad for medical treatment through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to receive up to $2000 in foreign currency.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to increase the dollar allocation for patients traveling abroad through NSPA on the 21st of last month. This decision was made to ease the process of obtaining foreign currency for those seeking medical treatment abroad.
Aasandha patients are already receiving up to $2000 through banks. Now, the government has arranged for NSPA patients to also receive up to $2000. This new arrangement will come into effect from today.
Additionally, the President has decided that from today, individuals traveling abroad for medical treatment at their own expense will be able to obtain $1000 through banks.
Previously, those traveling for treatment at their own expense could only receive $500 for tickets through the Bank of Maldives (BML). This often forced patients to buy dollars at higher rates. The President’s new decision will alleviate some of the difficulties faced by those seeking foreign currency for medical trips abroad.
The government continues to facilitate easier access to foreign currency for Maldivians traveling abroad and students studying overseas. Students studying abroad can now receive $1200 per month. Also, each pilgrim who went for Hajj this year was given a limit of $1750 on their debit cards.
According to the latest statistics shared by NSPA, over 25.8 million rufiyaa was spent on medical expenses in June. This includes 8.1 million rufiyaa for treatment abroa million rufiyaa for treatment abroad and 17.7 million rufiyaa for treatment within the Maldives.
