Majlis Debates First-Ever Amendments to Thalassaemia Act

The People’s Majlis has begun debating the first set of amendments to the Thalassaemia Act since its enactment in 2012, marking the country’s efforts to improve prevention and treatment of the genetic blood disorder.

MP Ahmed Naseer, representing the Ihavandhoo constituency, submitted the bill on behalf of the government. The proposed amendments aim to clarify the role and responsibilities of the Director General of the Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathy Centre, and to regulate marriages between individuals at risk of passing thalassaemia to their children.

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Notably, the amendments introduce a new regulation requiring couples who are both thalassaemia carriers to complete a government-mandated educational and counselling programme before marrying.

At present, all Maldivians must submit thalassaemia test results to the marriage registrar, but the law places no restrictions on marriage between two carriers. The proposed regulation would close this loophole, introducing a formal preventative measure aimed at reducing the number of children born with thalassaemia.

The bill also sets out clear guidelines for appointing the Director General of the Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathy Centre. Under the new rules, the Civil Service Commission, acting on the recommendation of the Ministry of Health, would appoint the Director General for a term not exceeding five years. The appointee would be prohibited from holding any other post that could conflict with their official responsibilities.

The Majlis formally introduced the bill yesterday. At the close of today’s session, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla confirmed that debate on the legislation would continue tomorrow, stating that the issue impacts all Maldivians and that all members should have the opportunity to take part in the discussion.