Three children administered spoiled blood at Thalassemia Center
The Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) has issued a formal apology after three children with thalassemia were transfused with blood that had been compromised due to a refrigerator malfunction at the Thalassemia Center. MBS Director General Ahmed Khaleel explained that the incident occurred because staff were unaware the cooling unit had failed, leading to the use of blood that had lost its required temperature. Despite the administration of the spoiled blood, authorities have confirmed that all three children are currently in stable condition.
A child receives a blood transfusion as part of the 'Athukuri Olaalamaa' (Roll Up Your Sleeves) campaign. | MNU
Three children have been transfused with spoiled blood at the Thalassemia Center.
A reliable source has informed RaajjeMV that a blood storage refrigerator at the Thalassemia Center malfunctioned, failing to maintain the required temperature. As a result, the blood packets stored inside had spoiled; however, unaware of the situation, nurses inadvertently administered the contaminated blood to three children.
Regarding this matter, the Director General of the Maldivian Blood Services (MBS), Ahmed Farish, stated that a formal meeting was held on April 23, 2026, with the family and the Maldivian Thalassemia Society. The meeting addressed concerns regarding the refrigerator malfunction that occurred on April 19 and 20, 2026, the subsequent transfusion of blood packs stored in that unit, and the delays in immediate communication regarding the incident.
Ahmeem stated that the error was only discovered after the children had already returned home. He noted that the hospital contacted the families immediately and managed to inform two of them. However, there was a delay in notifying the third family as they did not answer the initial phone calls.
Furthermore, the organization has issued a formal apology regarding the occurrence of this incident.
Noting that measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future, Ahmed emphasized that efforts are underway to procure new blood storage refrigerators from abroad. He further stated that arrangements are being made to temporarily acquire an unused refrigerator from the Addu Equatorial Hospital.
The three children who received contaminated blood transfusions are reported to be in stable condition.
