President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the National Thalassaemia Centre will soon be transferred to the Malé Group of Hospitals.

Speaking during the fifth episode of the Rayyithunaa Eku podcast, President Dr Muizzu said the Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) will also be brought under the same hospital group. He said the transfer will help address challenges faced by thalassaemia patients, especially children, by ensuring better access to specialist doctors.

The President said services provided in the atolls will continue uninterrupted under the new management. The hospital group’s facility in Hulhumalé will oversee the Thalassaemia Centre, which has now been relocated to the Orange Hiyaa building in Hulhumalé.

President Dr Muizzu said substantial progress has been made since his initial visit to assess the centre. He noted that the new location offers more space and future resources, with the Ministry of Finance and Planning already authorised to allocate funding. Recruitment for additional staff is underway, he added.

As part of the Government’s pledge to fund bone marrow transplants, President Dr Muizzu said 14 children are currently receiving treatment, with more expected to follow. He also confirmed that plans are advancing to build a full-fledged thalassaemia hospital in Hulhumalé. Agreements with investors are being finalised, and groundwork is set to begin soon.

The President said bone marrow services will be a core component of the new hospital’s operations. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering long-term solutions for children affected by thalassaemia.