NSPA Clears Over MVR 1 Billion but Struggles with More Than MVR 1.5 Billion in Unpaid Bills
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) is grappling with a growing financial burden after clearing more than MVR 1 billion in payments to health service providers while still owing an additional MVR 1.5 billion. The figures were revealed in a detailed report submitted to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, highlighting the scale of unpaid obligations under the Social Health Insurance Scheme.
Billions Still Pending Across Health Sectors
According to the report, the largest portion of NSPA’s debt is tied to government-run health agencies, which are owed MVR 367 million for services provided between November 2023 and July 2024. Foreign hospitals follow closely behind with outstanding payments of MVR 349 million. Private clinics are owed MVR 330 million, while pharmacies are waiting on MVR 325 million in payments. Local hospitals across the Maldives are owed a further MVR 164 million.
The report also noted that although NSPA disbursed MVR 872 million during the review period, newly accumulated debts rose by MVR 663 million. As of November 2023, the agency had already carried forward outstanding bills worth MVR 491 million, including significant amounts owed to pharmacies, local clinics, and international health providers.
Aasandha’s Mounting Debts
The financial strain is not limited to NSPA alone. Aasandha, the state-managed health insurance provider, is also struggling to settle dues. Information submitted to the Public Accounts Committee shows Aasandha’s debt stands at around MVR 1.1 billion. Pharmacies make up the largest share, with MVR 516 million unpaid, while clinics are owed MVR 260 million. Foreign hospitals are waiting for MVR 158 million, and private hospitals in the Maldives are due MVR 112 million.
The issue came under the spotlight after ADK Hospital, the country’s largest private healthcare provider, lodged a complaint over MVR 251 million in unpaid bills from Aasandha. The hospital warned that the delays are affecting its ability to pay suppliers and manage essential operational expenses, raising concerns about the impact on patient care if the issue persists.
Public Accounts Committee Reviews the Crisis
Together, NSPA and Aasandha have managed to pay MVR 1.1 billion to vendors and health institutions by the end of July 2024. Yet, with billions still unpaid, the Public Accounts Committee has announced it will conduct a more thorough review to understand the root causes of the financial shortfall and explore solutions to prevent further disruptions to healthcare services.
The growing backlog of unpaid bills has sparked concern within both the healthcare sector and the public. As demand for health services continues to rise, the ability of state agencies to meet their financial commitments will remain a critical issue for policymakers, service providers, and citizens alike.