Government has opened applications for financial support to thalassemia patients, In line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the directive to provide a special allowance to thalassemia patients in October 2025. In line with this directive, Maldives’ National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) designed a regulation to facilitate the implementation of the pledge.
As per the regulation, the allowance will be provided to all patients registered under the national registry of thalassemia patients, managed by the Thalassemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies Center. And according to this law, all registered patients who submit their applications are eligible for financial support of USD 130 per month.
The regulation also stipulates the conditions for the release of the payment. As per it, request for the allowance must be requested through an application, and once it is approved, payments will be disbursed from the next month onwards.
The regulation also mandates that the Thalassemia Center must keep the national registry updated. The registry must include important information pertaining to the patients, including patient’s general information, type of thalassemia carrier, treatment category, medical statements regarding the treatment of the patients and details of these treatments.
The regulation delineates the specific circumstances under which the disbursement of the allowance shall be discontinued or reinstated. Accordingly, the allowance will be terminated if the Thalassemia Center determines, in accordance with contemporary medical standards, that the recipient no longer requires further treatment. Furthermore, the allowance will cease upon the demise of the recipient or if a formal written request is submitted expressing the desire to waive the allowance.
The allowance will be reinstated if the Thalassemia Center determines that a child, who had previously transitioned to a stable condition not requiring treatment, has returned to a medical state that necessitates further clinical care based on established health standards.
The government is committed to strengthening the healthcare system for Thalassemia patients and ensuring a supportive environment that enables them to lead fulfilling lives within the community. As part of these efforts, the government has expanded Thalassemia services within the Greater Male' Region, with services now being provided at 'Orange Hiyaa' in Hulhumale' under the management of the Male' City Group of Hospitals. Additionally, initiatives are currently underway for the development of a specialized hospital dedicated to Thalassemia treatment.