Gov’t Prepares for First Case of Free Child’s Bone Marrow Transplant

The Ministry of Health has announced preparations to facilitate the first-ever bone marrow transplant for a child.

The nine-year-old girl, set to undergo the operation abroad, marks a crucial step in addressing the needs of thalassemia patients in the Maldives.

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Currently, there are 943 registered thalassemia patients in the country, with 655 of them actively receiving treatment. Thalassemia, a condition requiring continuous care to manage iron levels, finds its permanent solution in a bone marrow transplant.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has given his approval to the Cabinet’s recommendation, aiming to provide free bone marrow transplants and strengthen services for thalassemia patients. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader roadmap for the first 14 weeks, emphasising the enhancement of healthcare services and government-sponsored support for eligible thalassemia patients.

To expedite the process, the Cabinet has sanctioned a short-term assessment procedure for finalizing bone marrow transplants, forming a strategic framework for government-sponsored procedures. The goal is to sponsor a set number of eligible thalassemia patients annually, reaching ten patients per year by 2028.

The initial group of children is slated to undergo the procedure at a prominent hospital in India. Dr. Umar highlighted that the selection of children is contingent upon a team from the hospital conducting tests in the Maldives to ensure their fitness for travel.

Director General of Health Service, Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, stressed that the decision to send children abroad is contingent on their health condition. Even with a donor available, the operation can be impeded if the child’s health is not optimal. Dr. Ashraf urged families to ensure that children with donors are healthy and fit for surgery.

Dr. Ashraf also mentioned that the hospital in India was chosen based on its renowned team of doctors, with ongoing evaluations of hospitals in India and Italy. He encouraged other children in need of bone marrow transplants to submit their requests to the Thalassemia Centre, assuring that the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) would facilitate the necessary tests.