Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem has said the group is preparing to launch genetic, or DNA testing services, through the Maldivian Blood Service.

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Thalassaemia Patient Care Centre, where he noted that the service has expanded significantly this year. According to Haleem, funds have already been allocated for new machinery and additional personnel to carry out the latest tests required to strengthen thalassemia control.

The CEO explained that the upcoming services will include prenatal DNA testing to help identify carriers of thalassaemia and to support married couples planning to have children. He added that the tests will provide a more reliable method for confirming thalassaemia carrier status and for diagnosing anaemia and related conditions.

At present, DNA testing for thalassaemia is only available through the Society for Health Education (SHE). Concerns have been raised that patients must spend thousands of rufiyaa to access these services.

Alongside the launch of the new thalassaemia centre and planned service improvements, Parliament is also reviewing an amendment bill to the Thalassaemia Control Act, aimed at addressing gaps in the current legislation.