The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has revealed that patients seeking treatment under the country’s universal health insurance scheme “Aasandha”, are yet to receive the green light to travel abroad for further treatment.

Speaking to press on Wednesday night, the Covid-19 task force’s spokesperson, Mohamed Mabrook Aziz revealed that there are a number of patients who are seeking treatment for chronic and long-term illnesses who are in dire need of further treatment from abroad.

The authorities are currently working to send these patients abroad, however, the spokesperson cited the Aasandha office having revealed that they are yet to receive the required permits and authorization from countries where these patients are seeking treatment from.

During an earlier press briefing, Mabrook revealed that there are 37 patients who wish to travel abroad for medical treatment for major illnesses, under health insurance and that authorities are working to make the required arrangements for their transfer.

Highlighting that most of them are cancer patients, Mabrook revealed that Aasandha is working to arrange their travel to neighboring India, where a majority of Maldivians seek medical treatment every year.

Discussions are currently underway with the Indian government and will continue uninterruptedly as the Indian government is yet to authorize travel.

Earlier, Aasandha company’s Managing Director Mariyam Shafeeq revealed that they are working on travel arrangements for patients seeking treatment that is not available in the Maldives.

She added that discussions are underway with the Ministry of foreign Affairs and the governments of India and Sri Lanka to facilitate travel for these patients, all expenses paid by the health insurance scheme.

Individuals who are in severe condition will be prioritized when travel is authorized for these patients, said Aasandha.