DNA Testing Added to Aasandha Coverage for Thalassemia Screening

DNA testing, specifically the carrier screening process used to identify thalassemia inheritance, has now been incorporated into the Aasandha, state health insurance scheme in the Maldives.

The announcement regarding the inclusion of DNA testing under Aasandha coverage was made by the Health Ministry.

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According to the Health Ministry, this move is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of healthcare services within the country.

The decision to provide Aasandha coverage for DNA testing aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Hafuthaa 14’ roadmap, a set of commitments his administration aims to fulfill within the first 14 weeks in office. The additional pledges include measures to strengthen and expand services for thalassemia patients.

These measures involve facilitating government sponsorship for bone marrow transplants for eligible thalassemia patients, extending Aasandha coverage to essential medicines and consumables for thalassemia patients, and ensuring the availability of medicines to patients across the Maldives through the State Trading Organisation (STO).

As part of these commitments, five thalassemia patients are set to undergo bone marrow transplants at state expense this year. Furthermore, the Maldivian administration is planning to establish a specialised hospital exclusively dedicated to treating thalassemia patients.

The Maldives currently has over 900 registered thalassemia patients, with 320 of them receiving transfusions in Male’.