Employee Suspended After Blood From Faulty Freezer Given to Three Thalassemia Patients

Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) has suspended an employee over negligence in communication procedures after blood stored in a malfunctioning freezer was administered to three thalassemia patients.

The incident, which led to allegations that spoiled blood had been used, stems from a freezer malfunction reported on 19 April. According to MBS, the unit was functioning normally when checked at 21:00, but an automated alert system began issuing temperature warnings at 22:11 to five employees. Three staff members responded within the required timeframe and transferred 12 packets of blood to a standby freezer.

MBS stated that standard protocols were activated, and further checks were carried out on the morning of 20 April by its quality assurance team alongside staff from Hulhumale’ Hospital. Temperature records showed that the freezer had reached 11 degrees Celsius, although the duration at that level could not be determined.

The institution noted that accepted health standards allow blood to be stored at temperatures of up to 10 degrees Celsius for a maximum of four hours in the event of a malfunction. Based on response times and available temperature logs, MBS stated that the blood was not considered spoiled or contaminated.

However, during administrative checks, it was identified at around 09:30 on 20 April that blood from the affected freezer had already been administered to three patients.

An investigation was launched the same day by a team from the Male’ Group of Hospitals to determine whether negligence had occurred. The employee responsible for overseeing blood transfusions was suspended on 23 April on suspicion of failing to properly communicate necessary information ahead of the transfusions.

MBS stated that the remaining nine packets of blood from the affected batch were not used and that replacements were arranged for other patients. The institution also acknowledged delays in informing the three affected patients.

Representatives from the Male’ Group of Hospitals have since met with the Thalassemia Society of Maldives and the family of one of the patients to address concerns regarding the incident.