Haleem: A blood donor registry to be introduced this year

Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH)’s CEO Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem states dedicated blood donor registry will be introduced this year, adding that the government is committed to its objective is to ensure a happy and fulfilling life for Thalassemia patients.

In a statement on Friday commemorating World Thalassemia Day, Haleem said the occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made in strengthening Thalassemia care and blood services in the Maldives, as well as to renew commitment toward achieving further advancements in the sector.

Haleem, in his statement, outlined several key contributions made by the current administration to the Thalassemia sector.

In this regard, he described relocation of the Thalassemia Center to Orange Hiyaa on May 25 last year aa significant improvement in the quality and accessibility of care for Thalassemia patients. Additionally, he noted establishment of the Thalassemia Patient Care Center created an important framework for monitoring patient health and ensuring a more structured system of care.

Among other developments highlighted in the statement were:

• The introduction of a dedicated financial allowance for Thalassemia patients
• The establishment of a patient registry management system for Thalassemia
• The launch of DNA laboratory services and the introduction of blood transfusion services on Fridays
• The introduction of MRI T2 Star services to measure iron levels in patients’ bodies
• The commencement of Endocrinology, Haematology, and HLA Typing services

Haleem, citing the birth of four children with Thalassemia so far this year, called serious attention to the matter. He stated that strengthening counselling services to raise awareness and promote early preventive measures remains one of the key priorities of MCGH.

He added that a structured system providing pre-marital counselling, along with essential information and guidance on Thalassemia prevention and control, will be introduced this year. Apart from this, Haleem announced that a digitalized blood donor registry will also be launched during the year.

Haleem expressed sincere gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for what he described as historic reforms in the country’s Thalassemia care system.

He reaffirmed that the government’s overarching goal is to ensure a dignified and fulfilling life for children with Thalassemia, citing the planned development of a dedicated Thalassemia hospital and expanded access to bone marrow transplants funded through Zakat as tangible evidence of this commitment.