The Thalassemia Center has begun providing blood transfusion services on Fridays for the first time since its establishment in 1994, marking a major step forward in patient care under the current administration.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that effective Friday, February 20, 2026, the center commenced its new Friday service schedule. On the first day alone, 14 blood transfusions were successfully carried out, while five individuals donated blood in support of patients requiring regular treatment.
Since its inauguration on December 29, 1994, the Thalassemia Center had never officially operated on a Friday during its 31-year history. The introduction of Friday services addresses long-standing challenges faced by patients, particularly those travelling from outer atolls to Malé for life-sustaining transfusions. The expanded schedule reduces travel strain and offers greater flexibility for both patients and voluntary donors.
The Friday transfusion services will continue during designated hours even after Ramadan, ensuring uninterrupted access to care beyond the holy month.
In addition to extending service days, recently the government has also established a new state of the art Thalassemia Center in Hulhumalé equipped with modern medical technology. The upgraded facility reflects the administration’s commitment to enhancing specialized healthcare services and improving treatment standards for thalassemia patients nationwide.
With both operational reforms and infrastructure investment now in place, the government has signaled a clear priority to strengthen support systems for vulnerable patients and ensure more accessible, efficient healthcare delivery across the Maldives.
