The suspension of laboratory services at F. Feeali Health Center has raised significant concerns for the island's blood transfusion patients who have been left without treatment.

The laboratory services at Feeali Health Center were halted after the expatriate lab technician working at the center resigned.

RaajjeMV understands that the lab technician who had been working at the center left the job on March 31. This was after giving a three-month resignation notice, as he did not wish to renew his employment contract.

However, RaajjeMV understands that even during the notice period, no replacement was arranged. The Feeali Health Center had reportedly requested the Ministry of Health numerous times to provide a replacement. However, the ministry has failed to assign anyone, citing a lack of available personnel.

A senior official from Feeali Health Center stated that in their efforts to find a lab technician, they were unable to secure anyone even from Faafu Atoll Hospital. The atoll hospital had also informed them that they cannot provide a replacement.

Blood transfusion services for patients in Feeali have now been suspended. The official mentioned that if a transfusion is needed, the patient and their donor would have to travel to another island for the procedure.

Speaking to RaajjeMV regarding this issue, a parent of a blood transfusion patient in Feeali stressed that two of their children are scheduled for transfusions on Saturdays. However, with the service currently unavailable on the island, the parent has expressed deep concern.

The parent also mentioned having spoken with the Senior Administrator of Feeali Health Center, who holds the position of Health Service, several times. However, the administrator's response was that "the ministry will handle the matter”.

While there is currently no way for blood transfusion patients in Feeali to receive their treatments, Feeali is one of the islands in the Maldives with the highest number of blood transfusion patients. This is the first time the service has been suspended since it was first introduced on the island.