Sales of US dollars for medical purposes have tripled compared with the same period last year, according to figures from the Maldives Monetary Authority.
By the end of September 2026 the total reached USD 41.1 million. Of that amount, USD 29.2 million was issued for private medical travel undertaken at individuals’ own expense.
The sharp rise follows the introduction of a USD 1,000 private medical allowance in August 2025. The central bank has now limited that private allowance to six destination countries while leaving the Aasandha scheme’s higher entitlement unchanged.
Officials have linked the growth in demand both to increased medical travel and to the wider foreign-exchange pressures facing the country. Banks continue to process eligible medical forex requests under the revised rules.
