Some Members of Parliament said today that they are willing to give up the health insurance package currently provided to MPs, but argued that it costs the state less than the Aasandha national health insurance scheme.
Speaking during the debate on a petition submitted to Parliament with 7,225 signatures calling for MPs’ health insurance to be abolished, Inguraidhoo MP and PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah said he does not believe MPs should receive any special benefit that is not available to the general public.
However, Falah noted that the state spends MVR 24,000 a year (MVR 2,000 a month) on insurance for each MP, which covers treatment of up to MVR 1.3 million. He said this makes it a cheaper option for the state than the Aasandha system, which has no fixed limit.
Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir said MPs are not seeking major benefits that are unavailable to the public. He said public concern has arisen because Parliament has been unable to resolve the important issues facing citizens and has acted in ways that erode public trust.
Deputy Speaker and Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem (Redwave Saleem) said he has no objection to scrapping the insurance, and that he would even be willing to work for free, without a salary or benefits. He added that the petitioners also need to understand how the insurance scheme works.
The petition, initiated by activist Midhuam Saud, was sent to the floor by Parliament’s Petitions Committee earlier this month. Under the Parliament Privileges Act, sitting members and their families, as well as former members, are entitled to lifelong health insurance.
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