Malé City’s public hospital network has dismissed reports that thalassemia patients were transfused with spoiled blood, following a technical malfunction in a storage unit earlier this month.
In a detailed statement, the Male’ City Group of Hospitals (MCGH) confirmed that all blood administered to patients on April 20 met safety standards and showed no signs of contamination, despite a temperature fluctuation detected the previous day.
According to MCGH, the issue arose on April 19 after operations had concluded at the Maldives Blood Service (MBS). An automated alert flagged a malfunction in one of the blood storage freezers, where temperatures are required to remain between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. The unit reportedly reached 11 degrees Celsius, prompting an immediate response from on-call staff, who transferred 12 blood bags to a backup freezer in line with established protocols.
While the precise duration of the temperature increase remains unclear, hospital officials stressed that international medical guidelines allow blood to remain viable for limited periods under controlled deviations. Based on these parameters, MCGH maintained that the blood used the following day was safe for transfusion.
However, the hospital acknowledged that three thalassemia patients had already received blood prepared from the affected batch before the issue was fully reviewed on April 20. This discovery triggered internal scrutiny and heightened public concern.
In response, MCGH has initiated an investigation into the incident, including possible lapses in communication. A staff member responsible for overseeing transfusion procedures has been suspended pending the outcome of the inquiry, particularly over allegations of failing to report critical information prior to use.
The MBS has also issued an apology to patients via its official communication channels, assuring that corrective measures are being implemented to prevent recurrence. Hospital authorities further held a meeting with affected families, sharing verified details and addressing concerns directly.
Reaffirming confidence in the country’s blood transfusion system, MCGH urged the public and media to avoid circulating unverified claims that could undermine trust in essential healthcare services, especially among vulnerable groups such as thalassemia patients.
