PNC MPs oppose resolution to address blood shortage in the Maldives

Lawmakers representing the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have voted against a resolution aimed at addressing the critical shortage of blood in the Maldives, rejecting an initiative put forward to gauge parliamentary support for finding solutions to the issue.

The resolution was submitted by MP for North Galolhu constituency Mohamed “Kudoo” Ibrahim of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), seeking to prompt parliamentary discussion and consensus on resolving the persistent difficulties in accessing blood for medical needs.

During Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, the motion to accept the resolution was put to a vote. Of the 63 Members of Parliament who voted, 53 PNC lawmakers opposed accepting the resolution, while 10 MDP lawmakers voted in favour.

Despite the rejection, the resolution highlighted the dire state of the blood supply system in the Maldives. It noted that around 40 patients require blood transfusions daily, often relying on appeals and donations from the public. The resolution argued that systemic solutions were urgently needed and that true national development includes addressing such fundamental healthcare issues.

MP Mohamed Ibrahim also raised concerns over the lack of opportunity to present his case. He stated that four months had passed since he requested to bring the matter to parliament and that even a request to make a formal presentation had been denied. He emphasized that resolving blood shortages should be a responsibility of the state, not something left to individual citizens.

Only MDP members participated in the debate on the resolution. MP for Hanimaadhoo constituency Abdul Ghafoor Moosa criticized the current administration for failing to respond to pressing social issues, stating that systemic challenges are often deflected by shifting blame to previous governments.

MP for Vaikaradhoo constituency Hussain Ziyad expressed concern that the government, which claims to be a forward-looking administration, is failing to manage even basic health infrastructure. He pointed to reports of blood wastage under the current government as evidence of mismanagement.

Amid mounting concern, public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the issue has grown. Citizens have even staged protests at the Thalassemia Center, highlighting the urgent need for effective blood management and reliable access to transfusions.

Despite these concerns, the resolution to initiate parliamentary debate on addressing the blood shortage crisis was ultimately rejected, raising questions about the government's commitment to tackling urgent public health challenges.