The Zakat Fund has allocated MVR 2.5 million to support bone marrow transplants for children living with thalassaemia.

Zakat House said the funds were transferred to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) on Monday to facilitate the treatment.

According to Zakat House, the initiative is part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to provide free bone marrow transplants for children with thalassaemia through state assistance.

The arrangement to fund bone marrow transplants through the Zakat Fund was introduced in February 2024. Figures released by Zakat House last November showed that financial assistance had been provided to 24 patients for bone marrow transplants since the current administration took office.

The government has also decided to establish a specialised hospital for thalassaemia patients. While preliminary work on the project has begun, construction has yet to commence.