The state has decided to sponsor five recipients for bone marrow transplant.
Islamic Minister Dr. Ahmed Zahir handed over the letter of approval to the recipients at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health.
The Health Ministry stated that the bone marrow transplants will be made in India's Aster Medcity with the help of Zakat Fund, Aasandha, and NSPA. The Ministry stated that the recipients will depart within the week for their treatment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Health Minister Ahmed Naseem said that one of the goals of the current government is to provide treatment and medicines to thalassaemia children in the most convenient manner possible.
He added that a land will be acquired from Hulhumale' for the establishment of a new thalassemia centre and a new building for Maldivian Blood Services will be developed on it.
Minister Naseem said that the establishment of the centre would further expand the services being provided to thalassaemia children and address the shortage of space, adding that the national blood bank service would be set up in the building and that service would also be made available to all healthcare centres in the country.
The Minister further stated that bone marrow transplants are highly prioritised by the state, and that efforts have been made to find out how different countries are providing this service in order to ensure the successful implementation of the treatment.
He added that the Ministry hopes to successfully complete the treatment of the children undergoing bone marrow surgery this time.
Currently, there are 650 children with thalassemia in the country.
