President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyom has pledged that around 141 or 142 pilgrims for Hajj will be sponsored by the State.
He made the statement speaking in the maahefun held for the elderly held last night in Alimas Carnival area.
President Yameen stated that the 1000 person quota available for Maldives was sufficient. He added that even though this figure was high, Saudi Arabia will be formally extending the quota to 2000 from next year onwards.
“On my visit to Saudi Arabia, we negotiated to increase the quota for Maldivians. With my work and their regard for Maldives they increased the quota,” he said.
He stated that given the economic conditions of the average Maldivian, it may not be feasible for all of the 2000 to spend for their individual pilgrimages.
President Yameen stated that the aim of the Government was to ensure that many can perform their pilgrimages and if the economy gets better this figure can be increased.
He added that the Government gave priority to ensure that the latter years of all citizens were safe and secure. As such, President Yameen noted that last year itself over 2000 were treated free of charge from Aasandha Insurance scheme for major diseases such as kidney issues and cancer.
President Yameen said that the biggest issue facing the elderly citizens was accessibility of medication and that it was rectified by STO pharmacies across the nation. He also said that STO was seeking to complete the range of medication available in all of the 121 pharmacies across the nation.
President Yameen said that the Government was working to ensure speedy access to healthcare and other critical issues for the elderly citizens.
Over 140 pilgrims will be sponsored by State: President
