Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced that the Health Ministry is preparing to introduce DNA testing for fetus during pregnancy to identify thalassemia.
Speaking at a ceremony held to launch the Thalassemia Prevention and Control Masterplan, the minister said while prenatal diagnosis test for Thalassemia is currently unavailable in the Maldives, efforts are underway to provide the service soon.
The minister said the government is working to improve thalassemia care in the country, with plans to enable DNA testing for related cases at government hospitals. Additionally, the government is working on agreements with Italy and Cyprus to exchange information and expertise on thalassemia control, he said. The minister added that a Thalassemia Fund Committee and a National Blood Fund are also being established to further support patients.
At the ceremony, the minister also signed agreements with two foreign partners to build a specialized thalassemia hospital in the Maldives, in alignment with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge.
