The Government has confirmed that seven patients will be sent abroad for bone marrow transplants by 12 August as part of an ongoing programme funded by the Zakat Fund. The initiative, carried out under an agreement between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, aims to support thalassaemia patients in need of specialised treatment.

Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has personally met with the recipients ahead of their departure.

This programme, which reflects a presidential pledge to support at least 10 patients annually, has already facilitated treatment for three patients earlier this year in April. In 2023 alone, 14 patients received treatment abroad under the same scheme.

According to figures released by the Maldivian Blood Service in July, there are currently 944 registered thalassaemia patients in the country.

In a recent effort to enhance patient care, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu introduced reforms to the Maldivian Blood Service, including infrastructure improvements and the relocation of the service to the Orange Hiya building in Hulhumalé.