Govt to ensure comprehensive thalassaemia treatment

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, May 5, assured his administration will enhance comprehensive treatment for thalassaemia patients in the Maldives.

The Maldives president met with the thalassaemia community on Monday morning at the President’s Office, where he affirmed, this administration will prioritize addressing the needs of thalassaemia patients.

During the discussion, community representatives acknowledged the government’s efforts in listening to their concerns and attempts at actively seeking solutions. The forum served as an opportunity for the community to present additional needs directly to President Muizzu.

The community’s key request was that the development of the Thalassaemia Hospital should incorporate the input of the thalassaemia community, ideas, and vision. They also emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making, and called for policies related to thalassaemia to be to be shaped through the active participation of the community.

They also urged that to develop the Maldives Blood Service (MBS) into a comprehensive and coordinated system capable of serving the entire country and requested closer collaboration between the service and patients.

Additionally, they highlighted that this is the first government to include specific provisions for children with thalassaemia in its manifesto and expressed willingness to fully support the establishment for inclusive, patient-centred policies.

In response, Muizzu assured the issues raised by the community would be thoroughly reviewed while acknowledging the value of patient participation in policy-making and committed to fostering that involvement.

He also pledged his administration would work to create pathways for thalassaemia patients to receive complete treatment while remaining in the Maldives.