A notable revision to the Pension Act has been introduced in Parliament, with the intention of offering pension payments to those receiving treatment for severe illnesses, such as cancer.

This amendment aims to fill a significant void in current laws and reduce the considerable financial and emotional strains encountered by these patients and their families.

Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) officially delivered a letter to the Parliament Speaker, Abdul Raheem Abdullah, emphasizing the lack of specific provisions in the existing Pension Act for individuals with serious health issues.

MP Kudu remarked, "There is no system in place for early pension access due to medical forecasts, and this gap has compelled those afflicted by such illnesses and their families to endure significant financial and emotional strain."

To address this issue, MP Kudu has suggested an amendment that would require the Pension Office to form a group of expert doctors. This group would handle the verification of severe illnesses and the distribution of medical certificates, allowing people to access their pensions quickly, regardless of their age or duration of employment.

Additionally, the suggested amendment would require the state to focus on these individuals, guaranteeing that pensioners obtain their payments within 30 days of submitting their applications.

In a connected update, Islamic Affairs Minister Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated in late June that insurance coverage will commence with the beginning of the Hijri New Year. This insurance will specifically address the medical care of individuals on the poverty register who have chronic illnesses like cancer.

The Minister stated that this choice was reached in partnership with Allied Insurance. He added that the insurance initiative seeks to address costs usually excluded by Aasandha, thus enabling access to overseas treatment and essential medications, ultimately to save lives.