Citizens should seek equal benefits, not oppose MPs’ health insurance: MP Mauroof

Member of Parliament for B. Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, has stated that if something good is happening to another citizen, opposing it is not something any citizen should do.

Mauroof made this statement while speaking at today's parliament sitting regarding an e-petition submitted by a member of the public.

The petition calls for the abolition of the special health insurance provided from the state budget to MPs and their families, and to transition members to receive services through Aasandha like ordinary citizens.

Speaking in Parliament today, Mauroof stated that in his view, if something good happens to another citizen, opposing it is not something any citizen should do.

"I don't think it is something any citizen should do, opposing it if a good thing is happening for another citizen," Mauroof said.

Furthermore, Mauroof stated that in reality, citizens should stand up to obtain for themselves the same advantageous benefits that another citizen receives.

"In reality, citizens should stand up to obtain for themselves the good benefits that another citizen gets," Mauroof said.

Regarding this matter, Mauroof decided not to debate the issue further and, noting that it directly involves members of parliament, called for an independent institution to review it.

The e-petition submitted to the People's Majlis requests the abolition of the lifelong special health insurance available under the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act to current and former MPs, as well as their spouses and children, covering 19 countries including the Maldives, SAARC, and ASEAN nations.

As highlighted in the e-petition, between 2015 and 2025 alone, approximately MVR 100 million from the state budget has been spent solely on members' insurance premiums.

The petition states that providing such special privileges to members using tax money privileges not available to the general public is unacceptable.

It calls for members to also seek healthcare services through the standard Aasandha and NSPA system, just like ordinary citizens.

The e-petition notes that the reason for this call is that the country's basic healthcare system can only be improved when members of parliament experience the same hardships endured by ordinary citizens.