The fine print of free health care: public responsibility
26 Jan 2012, 7:29 PM
Eleanor Johnstone
The Maldives’ Aasandha scheme realised a dream held by many citizens around the world – free health coverage. But it has also put a spotlight on the Maldivian public’s prodigious appetite for medical care.
“The launching of Aasandha has challenged the two hospitals in Male’, pushing them to their limits with frenzied ‘patients’ (or should I call them customers?) flooding and packing the hospitals,” wrote public health expert and Chief Operating Officer at Male’s ADK hospital, Dr Ahmed Jamsheed, in a January 16 blog post.
Observing that ADK has seen a 50 percent increase in specialist consultations and a 100 percent increase in demand for basic services, Dr Jamsheed describes the hospital as “overwhelmed.”
During the first 14 days of the Aasandha scheme, 41,000 individuals sought health care at ADK – 11 percent of the country’s population – costing the scheme millions and raising serious concerns over its sustainability, Dr Jamsheed observed.”
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