MBS probes MVR 7K blood sale scandal

The Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) is investigating the report of an attempted sale of an O-Positive bloodbag for MVR 7,000, following an issue that surfaced online.

In a social media chat log that had gone viral on Wednesday, an individual had posted online looking for O-Positive blood, for a patient with two failed kidneys. However, instead of donating blood, this individual was privately offered a single bloodbag for the price of MVR 7,000.

According to the chat log, the person seeking the blood had responded that they could not afford to purchase the blood at the price due to financial constraints.

The screenshot of this chat has received significant attention from the public, with many labelling this act as a crime.

"Friends who run a blood donation group have told me about many such things. They’ve been told by some that their blood could not be given away for free,” a person commented on the post.

After this issue came to light, MBS launched its investigation. Speaking to Sun, MBS’s Associate Specialist in Pediatrics, Dr Ahmed Umar, stated on Thursday that the fact that such incidents are coming to light despite blood sale for patients being a crime in Maldives, is very concerning. He also noted that there is a constant shortage of blood in the country despite the number of donors. 

In cases where donated blood is unavailable, some individuals resort to purchasing it. However, not everyone can afford to buy blood at such high prices.

A lot of people have described this act as inhuman, maintaining how invaluable blood is, and how such a life-saving sacrifice cannot be met by money. 

Under the Blood Transactions Act, it is an offense to sell or buy blood for use in health care. Therefore, it is an offense to take financial advantage of donating or receiving blood. A fee may be charged for blood collection, storage, testing and other services.

In recognition of the value of the service provided by blood donors, it has been allowed by the law to award blood donors with a certificate, plaque or a special card indicating that the person is a regular blood donor.  

The law also stipulates a fine between MVR 10,000 and MVR 100,000 for violations of the Act. Additionally, if the crime is repeated, a judge has the discretion to impose jail time for a period not exceeding one year.

The Maldives is a country with a relatively high number of thalassemia patients. In 2024, the MBS said that the need for blood in Maldives is higher than in most other countries. According to MBS statistics, about 70 percent of the donated blood used in Maldives is used for thalassemic treatment.

Blood donors are mainly divided into three groups:

• Voluntary blood donors

• Donors who donate to a specific person

• Blood donors at blood donation camps run by various institutions

The Health Ministry and police could not be reached for comment.