Health Minister Geela Ali has said that 28 children with thalassaemia have been sent abroad for bone marrow transplants with financial assistance from the Government.

Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the Minister said the support is provided under an agreement between the Ministries of Islamic Affairs and Health, which allocates funding from the Zakat Fund to help children access potentially curative treatment.

Under the agreement, MVR 10 million is allocated annually to cover treatment costs for 10 children, with funding of up to MVR 1 million per child. Geela said 28 children have received assistance under the scheme so far, and their treatment is ongoing.

The Minister also said the Government has increased the monthly allowance for children with thalassaemia from MVR 1,000 to MVR 2,000. More than 500 children are currently receiving the allowance.