Ensuring health, social protection, and opportunities required by thalassemia families is a fundamental responsibility of the government: Muizzu
In a post marking International Thalassemia Day, President Muizzu emphasized the government's responsibility to provide essential healthcare and social protection to families affected by the condition; however, public concern is mounting over systemic failures within the healthcare system, including deteriorating service standards, the use of expired medical kits, and reported negligence in blood transfusion procedures.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visits the Thalassemia Center to personally listen to the concerns of a patient. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that it is the government's responsibility to ensure health and social security, as well as to provide necessary opportunities for families affected by thalassemia.
In a post on X on Friday to mark International Thalassemia Day, President Muizzu stated that the day serves as a reminder to prioritize the values of humanity and compassion. He further emphasized the importance of providing support and cooperation to every Maldivian child and family affected by the condition.
Emphasizing that every Maldivian living with thalassemia is a child of our nation, President Muizzu stated that it is the government's duty and responsibility to ensure these families are provided with the necessary healthcare, social protection, and opportunities.
International Thalassemia Day is observed annually on May 8th. This year’s theme is "Hidden No More: Finding the Undiagnosed," which focuses on identifying those living with the condition and providing them with the necessary support.
As the nation marks this day in support of those living with thalassemia, President Muizzu’s administration has faced significant backlash in 2025 over a crisis at the Maldives Blood Service. Protests erupted following a major issue with defective filters, which forced the blood bank to discard vital blood supplies. Furthermore, due to the inability to provide adequate services at the previous facility, the Thalassemia Center has since been relocated to Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumalé Phase 1.
Furthermore, serious cases of negligence within the Maldives' healthcare system surfaced last April, including the use of expired test kits and the administration of contaminated blood to thalassemia patients.
