People earning more than MVR 60,000 a month will be required to pay a 15 per cent co-payment when using private healthcare facilities under the Aasandha scheme from 1 January 2027.
The Ministry of Health announced the change. The co-payment will apply to services at private hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, optical and prosthetic providers that are linked to Aasandha. No co-payment will be charged at government hospitals and health centres.
Overseas treatment arranged through Aasandha will continue to be fully covered under existing rules.
Certain professional groups are exempted, including doctors and other medical staff, pilots and aviation personnel, and engineers and science professionals. The ministry said the exemptions aim to help retain skilled workers in these important sectors.
The government expects the measure to save about MVR 287 million a year from the state budget. Officials say the funds will be directed towards basic needs of citizens and social development projects.
The decision was taken under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. It is presented as a step to keep the Aasandha system sustainable while protecting full coverage at public facilities.
