Funding provided to 32 for bone marrow transplant

32 thalassemia patients have been provided the opportunity to undergo bone marrow transplant from abroad via Zakat Fund.

The 32 thalassemia patients were handed over their letters by First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim in a function held this Monday at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

They will be undergoing bone barrow transplant from Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, India.

Ministry of Islamic Affairs reports the 32 new thalassemia patients brings the total number of thalassemia patients provided the opportunity to undergo bone barrow transplant by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration to 55. It is twice the number promised by the administration during its first five-year term.

Each of the thalassemia patients will be undergoing bone barrow transplant at the cost of approximately MVR 900,000 from the Zakat Fund, reports the Islamic Ministry.

There are currently 861 thalassemia patients registered with Maldives Blood Service. And the number is increasing each year, says Maldives Blood Service.

Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin - the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Thalassemia is the most common blood disorder in the country. And the Maldives has one of the highest number of thalassemia carriers based on population.

Bone barrow transplant is the only permanent solution for thalassemia patients.