Gov’t Provides Bone Marrow Transplants for Ten Thalassemia Patients Annually

The Ministry of Health and Zakat Fund have inked an agreement aimed at sponsoring bone marrow transplants for 10 thalassemia patients annually.

The signing ceremony, held at the Islamic Centre, saw the State Minister of Islamic Ministry, Dr. Mohamed Shujau, and the State Minister for Health, Aminath Shirna, formalising the pact to support bone marrow transplants for a total of 50 thalassemia patients over the next five years.

According to the Islamic Ministry, each patient afflicted with the blood disorder stands to receive up to MVR 1 million in aid for their bone marrow transplant.

While bone marrow transplant stands as a significant milestone in thalassemia treatment, patients require prolonged monitoring and adherence to post-transplant medical protocols, including regular tests and physician guidance.

In the past, thalassemia patients have been sponsored by the Zakat Fund for bone marrow transplants abroad, albeit with limited success. However, the Health Ministry has expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the new agreement, assuring that transplant procedures will be carried out with due diligence.

Currently, there are 659 children in the Maldives grappling with thalassemia, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in addressing healthcare needs within the nation.