Aasandha Scheme

Aasandha emergency evacuation involves coordinating with local health centres in arranging transfer of patients requiring urgent medical service/treatment to the closest health centre where the treatment is available. This involves quick communication and decision making while simultaneously dealing with referring centres, receiving centres, sea ambulance and speed boat operators and aviation operators. The target is to ensure patient receives the required medical attention with the minimum delay possible.

Evacuation Process

Aasandha provides emergency evacuation for critically ill patients requiring immediate medical treatment and for patients where delay in treatment can be fatal or cause permanent disabilities. During emergency evacuation the patient is transferred to the nearest health facility providing the required treatment, through air and/or sea transport.

Required documentation:

• Aasandha Emergency Evacuation Form (add link to form)
  The referral for Aasandha emergency evacuation must be made by the local health facility (island health centre/hospital) to Aasandha. The emergency evacuation form must be completed by the attending doctor.
• National Identification Card of the patient
• Medi form (This form is to request for approval to transfer patient by air. Form will be filled by medical doctor)

Mode of transfer

The mode of transfer (whether to use air or sea transport) and subsequent decisions will be made based on the patient’s condition, distance and available means of travel between the referring centre and receiving centre, with the aim of getting the patient as comfortably and quickly to the nearest treatment facility.
In cases where the sea ambulance is unavailable, a private speedboat can be hired through the referring health facility. The cost of hiring the private boat must be approved by Aasandha Company before travelling. The bill for the private boat hire must be submitted to Aasandha Company by the referring health facility.
Aasandha does not have any policy of reimbursing claims and cash payments made by beneficiaries. Hence, if a patient hires and pay for a private speedboat transfer, the payment will not be reimbursed through the scheme.
When emergency evacuation is carried out by air, Aasandha will provide one-way ticket for the patient, and a person accompanying the patient. If a medical escort is required, Aasandha will cover the two-way ticket for the accompanying doctor or nurse. Aasandha does not provide cover for room and board for the patient, patient party or for the medical escort.