Applications for the thalassaemia patient allowance have opened from today, under new rules formulated by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

Under the regulations governing the allowance, eligible applicants will receive a monthly payment of MVR 2,000. The allowance was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in October last year, as part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen support for people living with thalassaemia.

The allowance will be paid to individuals registered in the national thalassaemia patient register who are receiving care at the Thalassaemia and Other Haemoglobinopathies Centre. Payments will commence from the calendar month following approval of an application.

Applications must include the applicant’s residential address and email address. In cases where the applicant is under the age of 18, the application must be submitted with the details of a parent or guardian.

The regulations also require the Thalassaemia Centre to compile and maintain a national register of thalassaemia patients. The register will include information such as the type of thalassaemia, treatment categories, age groups, health-care requirements based on medical standards, and other treatment-related details.

The allowance may be discontinued or reinstated based on specific health criteria. Payments will cease if the Thalassaemia Centre determines, in line with current medical standards, that a recipient no longer requires treatment, or in the event of the patient’s death. The allowance may also be discontinued upon written request by the recipient.

If a patient who previously no longer required treatment is later assessed to need renewed medical care based on updated health standards, the allowance will be reinstated.

The Government has placed increased priority on improving services for thalassaemia patients in recent years. Measures include relocating the Orange Hiya building to the National Thalassaemia Centre, providing free bone marrow transplants for selected patients, and expanding specialised medical services for those living with the condition.