The Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) has rejected media allegations of contaminated blood transfusions to thalassaemia patients, stating that available evidence shows the blood was safe.

MBS said a technical fault in a blood storage freezer was detected on the night of 19 February after an automated temperature alert. Staff responded promptly and transferred 12 blood packs to a standby unit. The freezer temperature briefly rose above the recommended 2 to 6 degrees Celsius range, though system logs did not show how long it remained at that level. Based on international health standards and internal checks, MBS said the blood was not contaminated.

On the morning of 20 April, further quality and safety checks were conducted by MBS technical staff and the quality assurance team of Hulhumalé Hospital.

MBS confirmed that three patients at the Thalassaemia Centre received transfusions on 20 April using blood cleared the previous day, while quality checks were still ongoing. The issue was identified after the transfusions had been completed, and patients were informed, though with some delay.

MCGH has launched an investigation into the incident, including whether proper information was shared before the transfusions. Staff involved were suspended on 23 April pending the outcome.

The remaining nine blood packs from the affected batch were not used. MBS said it issued an apology to patients and later met with the Maldives Thalassemia Society and families to address concerns.

MBS also criticised what it described as misleading information circulated by some media outlets and individuals, stating that such reports had created a false narrative around a critical healthcare service. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety standards and ensuring reliable care for thalassaemia patients.