President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to revise Aasandha coverage for high-income earners, with individuals earning MVR 65,000 or more per month expected to lose access to full government-funded health insurance coverage.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday afternoon, President Dr. Muizzu said the current Aasandha system requires reform, adding that both local and international experts have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability.

The administration is preparing to introduce changes to the policy governing Aasandha benefits for wealthier individuals and those eligible to pay income tax.

Under the proposed system, high-income earners would no longer receive full coverage and may instead be required to use co-payment or pre-payment arrangements and pay an annual contribution to the government.

The President said the government intends to redirect savings generated through the changes toward other public needs and priorities.

He also said the reform would reduce expenditure from this year's state budget while generating further savings next year.

According to President Dr. Muizzu, the changes are expected to save a portion of the government's expenditure this year and reduce spending by approximately MVR 280 million next year.

The savings are expected to be used to help finance other services and needs of the public.

Aasandha spending has continued to place significant pressure on the state budget.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Finance show that the government had spent MVR 1.43 billion on the scheme as of August 20, representing 70.8 percent of the MVR 2.02 billion allocated for Aasandha for the year.

The proposed reforms are part of broader efforts by the administration to control public expenditure and improve the long-term sustainability of the Maldives' public healthcare financing system.