President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated the newly established facility of Maldivian Blood Services and the Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre at Orange Hiyaa, Hulhumalé.

Following the inauguration, President Dr Muizzu toured the facility, engaging with staff and patients to assess the quality of services being delivered.

As the well-being of thalassaemia patients remains a key priority for the Administration, President Dr Muizzu instructed the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to expedite the relocation of the Maldivian Blood Services and the Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre to Orange Hiyaa. Reflecting the urgency of the directive, the MNDF completed the relocation in approximately one month.

The relocation is expected to ease space constraints and improve service delivery. 

The new facility features a general ward, a dedicated women’s ward, and a children’s ward, and the blood storage capacity has been significantly expanded from 200 to 600 pints with the installation of two new storage units.

To support the facility’s operations, 16 new staff members have been appointed, including five nurses, six laboratory technicians, one physician, and additional personnel for administrative and storage management roles.

A dedicated bus stop has been established to facilitate access to Orange Hiyaa. Patients can now travel conveniently with the introduction of a special bus card, and transport services have already commenced.

During the fifth episode of the Rayyithunaa Eku podcast, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to place the Thalassaemia Centre and the Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) under the administration of the Malé City Group of Hospitals’ Governing Board. The move aims to streamline service delivery and adjust operational hours to better accommodate patient needs.

The President further reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that children living with thalassaemia have equal access to all rights and opportunities available in the country. In his message marking World Thalassaemia Day this year, he underscored the importance of full accessibility and inclusion.