Amendment to the Thalassaemia Control Act has been passed by the People’s Majlis, introducing key reforms aimed at improving oversight of national thalassaemia services and establishing procedures for marriages involving individuals at risk of passing on the hereditary condition.

The bill, submitted by Ihavandhoo MP Ahmed Naseer on behalf of the Government, was approved on 6 August, 2025, with the support of 60 lawmakers. It has now been forwarded to the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs for further review.

A major focus of the amendment is the restructuring of the role of Director General (DG) at the Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies Centre. The position will now be officially recognised as a civil service post, appointed by the Civil Service Commission upon the Health Minister’s recommendation. Candidates must hold a Level 8 or 9 qualification in a management-related field and have a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the health sector. The term of office is fixed at five years, with responsibilities clearly defined under the revised law.

The amendment also addresses a gap in the existing legal framework by introducing specific guidelines for couples identified as thalassaemia carriers. While the current Act encourages voluntary testing, it does not outline any legal procedure for couples who wish to marry despite the risk of having a child with the condition.

Under the new provisions, both individuals must present their test results when applying for a marriage licence. If the results indicate a risk of passing on thalassaemia, the couple must complete an approved educational programme before the marriage can proceed. The relevant regulations are to be finalised and published within 30 days of the amendment’s enactment.