The Ministry of Health has revealed today that 22 children are currently on the waiting list for bone marrow transplants. According to the ministry, 14 children were sent abroad for bone marrow transplants last year. So far, seven children have completed their transplants, while seven children are currently receiving treatment abroad. Six children have returned to the Maldives after completing their bone marrow transplants, while one child has passed away, the ministry stated.
Of the children abroad, three will return to the Maldives next month, while the treatment of the remaining four is ongoing. The Health Ministry also stated that an additional 10 children will be sent abroad for bone marrow transplants this year, and specialist reviews have been completed for five of these children, with preparations underway.
Providing sustainable free bone marrow transplants for thalassemia children is a presidential pledge of of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In this regard, the Islamic Ministry and the Health Ministry signed an agreement last February to provide bone marrow transplants for 10 children each year at the expense of the Zakat Fund. Under this agreement, assistance of up to one million rufiyaa is provided for each child’s bone marrow transplant.
Furthermore, most of the children sent abroad for bone marrow transplants are sent to hospitals in India. Some children are also sent to Thailand. On average, a bone marrow transplant takes between 45 to 60 days to complete.
