By the end of August, 535 thalassemia patients were registered in the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) database, with a total of MVR 1.07 million disbursed as monthly allowances for the period. According to the Maldives Blood Services, of the 981 individuals ever registered, 668 are currently living. The majority of these patients reside in the atolls, with the highest concentration in the age group of 11 to 20 years. Proportionally, Noonu Atoll has the highest prevalence of thalassemia patients.
To strengthen thalassemia management and care, the government has launched screening programs for school students and established a specialized clinic and DNA laboratory at Orange Hiya in Hulhumalé. In addition to the MVR 2,000 monthly allowance provided to each patient, the government has committed to a five-year program, valued at MVR 50 million, to fund bone marrow transplants for 10 children annually.
