Patients with thalassaemia across the Maldives can expect significant improvements in care and accessibility as the National Thalassaemia Centre undergoes a major transformation into a more patient-focused healthcare provider.

Regular visitors will soon experience shorter waiting times and more personalised care, following the recruitment of five additional nurses and improved operational management. For those reliant on frequent blood transfusions, upgraded testing equipment and enhanced blood filtration processes will ensure safer, more reliable treatments.

One of the biggest challenges for thalassaemia patients – the burden of travel for regular treatment – will be significantly reduced with the centre's relocation to "Orange Hiya." To expedite the transition, the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) will prioritise the completion of the facility's construction, aiming to finalise all work within four weeks. To improve accessibility, the new location will feature a designated public bus stop and free patient transport, operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), easing travel difficulties and costs for patients and their caregivers.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced these initiatives in the first episode of Rayyithunnaa Eku, a podcast by the President's Office. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to enhancing thalassaemia care, including the appointment of a civil servant to oversee previously unstructured operations, the reassignment of staff to improve efficiency, and the allocation of funds for essential medical equipment.

These reforms come in response to long-standing advocacy from patients and caregivers, who have raised concerns over operational shortcomings at the centre. In collaboration with the State Trading Organisation (STO), efforts are underway to procure new Haemonetics blood filters, expected to arrive by May. Additionally, the Maldivian Blood Service (MBS) is working to introduce prestorage filtration to further improve patient care.

The scale of this challenge is significant, with approximately 650 active thalassaemia patients currently receiving treatment in the Maldives. Many families face considerable difficulties in accessing essential care, particularly bone marrow transplants. To address these broader needs, preparations are underway to establish a state-of-the-art thalassaemia care facility in Hulhumalé, which will offer bone marrow transplant services – fulfilling one of President Dr Muizzu’s key campaign pledges.