The Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) has announced a series of new services and upgrades for the Thalassaemia Centre this year, including specialist care under a Maldivian haematologist, advanced blood safety testing and expanded patient support services.

In a statement issued on the occasion of World Thalassaemia Day, MCGH CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said the Thalassaemia Centre will begin operating under the supervision of a Maldivian haematologist from June.

He also announced that, with support from Hulhumalé Hospital, an on-call internal medicine service will be introduced within the next 10 days.

Among the key developments planned for this year is the launch of gold-standard NAT blood screening technology before the end of July, aimed at improving blood safety standards in line with international practices.

Haleem further revealed that liver fibrosis scanning services will be introduced at the centre this year, alongside expanded access to gynaecology and other specialist services.

He noted that the Government has continued efforts to strengthen support for thalassemia patients, including relocating the centre to Orange Hiyaa last year, introducing a dedicated patient care centre and providing a special allowance for patients since January.

Highlighting concerns over thalassaemia prevention, Haleem said four children with thalassemia have been born so far this year. In response, a new system providing guidance and awareness on thalassaemia prevention, including pre-marital counselling, will be introduced.

He also announced plans to digitise and launch a national blood donor registry to improve coordination between donors and patients in need of blood.