President promises to address concerns in visit to thalassemia center after protest

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited the thalassemia center on Sunday after thalassemia patients and their families gathered outside the center the previous night, demanding the resignation of the heads of Maldives Blood Service (MBS).

The protest followed concern over increase in wastage of blood due to damage to the filters used at the center.

Protestors demanded the resignation of MBS’ Public Health Coordinator Faisal Ibrahim as well as State Minister for Health Aminath Shiruna.

The President’s Office reported that President Muizzu visited the headquarters of MBS, commonly referred to as the thalassemia center, on Sunday morning and checked updates on the status of all departments of the center.

He also met with the thalassemia patients who were there at the time as well as their family members and listened to their concerns.

President Muizzu was accompanied in the visit by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, and head of MBS.

The President has begun collaborating with relevant institutions to address the concerns, said the President’s Office in a brief press statement.

Maldives is home to the largest population of thalassemia patients in the South East Asia region, with over 600 registered thalassemia patients.

Patients have complained for years regarding lack access to a regular supply of essential medicines as well as other issues.