A digital blood donor registry will be introduced this year, Male' City Group of Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem has said.

Speaking at a ceremony held to mark World Blood Donor Day, Haleem said the registry would make it easier for people to donate blood and help strengthen services for patients who rely on regular transfusions.

Highlighting developments in thalassaemia care since the current Administration took office, Haleem said a registration system for thalassaemia patients has been established through the oneGov portal. He also noted that a DNA laboratory was established in February this year and that blood transfusion services are now available on Fridays, describing it as a major milestone in the 35-year history of the Thalassaemia Centre.

Haleem said endocrinology services were introduced in July 2025, while haematology services, HLA typing and bone marrow testing have been available since August 2025 with the assistance of visiting consultants.

He revealed that four children have been born with thalassaemia so far this year and said efforts are underway to strengthen public awareness and counselling services. Stressing the importance of maintaining a reliable blood donation system, Haleem noted that people living with thalassaemia require regular blood transfusions and added that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has attached special priority to improving services for thalassaemia patients.