Zakat Fund to provide insurance for chronically ill on poor registry

Zakat Fund will begin offering insurance coverage to individuals on the poor registry who are suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed announced on Thursday.

The insurance scheme, introduced in collaboration with Allied Insurance, will cover medical expenses not included under the Aasandha scheme. It will also support patients requiring overseas treatment and the import of essential medication.

“This initiative is intended to assist with critical needs that fall outside existing coverage, to save lives,” said Minister Shaheem.

“By the grace of Allah, the government has established a dedicated Zakat agency in Maldives and is working to strengthen the Zakat system.”

He highlighted that the Zakat Fund has significantly increased support for the poor in recent years, including record property zakat collections last year.

The government has long provided annual financial assistance to help individuals on the poor registry meet basic needs, including healthcare.

Currently, 2,852 people are registered as eligible for both property and Fitr zakat.