Thalassaemia bill returned to Parliament without ratification

The Thalassaemia Control Bill, which would allow thalassaemia patients to obtain treatment under Aasandha social health insurance program, has been returned to Parliament by the President, requesting amendments and revisions.

The bill was sent for ratification when it was passed by the Parliament on 27 December 2011.

In a letter sent to the President of the Parliament Abdulla Shahid, the President said that having sought legal advice on this matter from the Attorney General, it is advisable that amendments be made to this bill.

In the letter, the President stated that the treatments for thalassaemia patients proposed in the bill are not in accordance with the government’s policies. He suggested that treatments for thalassaemia patients also be included in the social health security system.

“With reference to problems associated with the bill as cited by the Attorney General, it is advised that amendments be made to this bill,” the President’s Office said with reference to the President’s letter.