Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) is set to open a new eyewear shop later this month, enabling patients to obtain prescription glasses without spending from their own pockets, IGMH CEO Ibrahim Haleem has announced.
The initiative, first revealed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in May, aims to curb illegal profiteering in the eyeglass trade by establishing a government-run optical outlet at the country's main hospital.
Haleem stated that the prices at the shop will not exceed the rates covered under Aasandha, ensuring that patients can receive glasses at no additional personal cost.
In addition to offering affordable glasses, the shop will provide eye prescription (numbering) services. Patients who get prescriptions from other clinics will also be able to purchase glasses from the hospital. Haleem added that the facility will include a workshop for eyeglass repairs.
The move comes as the government recently increased the eyewear allowance under Aasandha from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000.
The initiative, first revealed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in May, aims to curb illegal profiteering in the eyeglass trade by establishing a government-run optical outlet at the country's main hospital.
Haleem stated that the prices at the shop will not exceed the rates covered under Aasandha, ensuring that patients can receive glasses at no additional personal cost.
In addition to offering affordable glasses, the shop will provide eye prescription (numbering) services. Patients who get prescriptions from other clinics will also be able to purchase glasses from the hospital. Haleem added that the facility will include a workshop for eyeglass repairs.
The move comes as the government recently increased the eyewear allowance under Aasandha from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000.
