Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) has introduced a digital thalassaemia card, replacing the printed card used until now.
In a statement released yesterday, MBS said the digital card is part of a phased effort to establish a comprehensive care system for blood disorders.
The new card shows whether a person is a thalassaemia carrier, and covers seven different card types.
Each card includes a special QR code to confirm it is genuine. Through the code, thalassaemia carriers can also easily get important guidance and information to help with family planning.
For now, the digital card is being issued via WhatsApp and email.
In February, a DNA laboratory was opened to carry out a range of thalassaemia tests, strengthening the screening system set up under the Thalassaemia Control Act. MBS was the first to offer this service in the Maldives.
MBS, which operates under Maldives Tertiary Hospitals Group, said it is also working to digitise all of its services.
