MCGH to Launch Digital Blood Donor Registry This Year

The Chief Executive Officer of the Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH), Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem, has announced that a digital blood donor registry will be introduced this year as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Thalassemia care in the Maldives.

In a statement issued on Friday to mark World Thalassemia Day, Haleem said the occasion served as an opportunity to reflect on progress made in improving Thalassemia care and blood services, while renewing commitment towards further advancements in the sector.

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Haleem outlined several initiatives introduced under the current administration to improve services for Thalassemia patients. He described the relocation of the Thalassemia Centre to Orange Hiyaa on 25 May last year as a major step in improving the quality and accessibility of care. He also highlighted the establishment of the Thalassemia Patient Care Centre, which he said had created a more structured system for monitoring patient health and delivering care.

Other developments highlighted by Haleem included the introduction of a dedicated financial allowance for Thalassemia patients and the establishment of a patient registry management system.

He also noted the launch of DNA laboratory services, the introduction of blood transfusion services on Fridays, and the commencement of MRI T2 Star services to measure iron levels in patients. According to Haleem, Endocrinology, Haematology and HLA Typing services have also been introduced.

Referring to the birth of four children with Thalassemia so far this year, Haleem stressed the importance of strengthening counselling services to raise awareness and encourage early preventive measures.

He said a structured pre-marital counselling system providing information and guidance on Thalassemia prevention and control would be introduced this year alongside the planned launch of the digital blood donor registry.

Haleem also thanked President Mohamed Muizzu for reforms introduced in the country’s Thalassemia care system.

He reiterated that the government’s broader objective is to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for children living with Thalassemia. Haleem said plans for a dedicated Thalassemia hospital and expanded access to bone marrow transplants funded through Zakat reflected this commitment.