Health Minister Emphasises Gov’t’s Resolve to Tackle Thalassemia

Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has underscored the government’s commitment to combatting thalassemia, marking International Thalassemia Day with a social media post outlining key strategies.

In his statement, Dr. Khaleel emphasised the government’s dedication to delivering equitable and high-quality care to thalassemia patients. He reiterated the administration’s resolve to shield society from the impacts of thalassemia while ensuring universal access to superior healthcare for all affected individuals.

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Thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder, remains a significant health concern in the Maldives, with 941 individuals recorded as thalassemia patients in the 2023 annual report by the Maldivian Blood Service. The report indicates that a majority suffer from beta thalassemia major, with 762 children afflicted by this variant.

In a proactive step towards addressing this challenge, the current government has embarked on ambitious initiatives to enhance healthcare provisions for thalassemia patients. 

Notably, plans include the allocation of 71,000 acres of land for the establishment of a dedicated Thalassemia Hospital.