Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen has revealed the government spends almost USD 10,000 for the treatment of Thalassemia patients every year.
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch the national blood policy of the government, Health Minister Abdulla Ameen stated treatment for Thalassemia patients is expensive. In this regard, Minister Ameen revealed the state spends about USD 776 per month for an adult patient, which amounts to about USD 10,000 yearly.
The health minister noted the expense of the state on Thalassemia treatment will increase immensely if the birth of Thalassemia children is not controlled in Maldives. Therefore, the minister said it is important to create awareness among the public.
880 individuals are registered as Thalassemia patients and 40% of the local population are various types of Thalassemia careers, according to Maldivian Blood Service. Statistics also show the amount of patients registered in 2018 have increased compared to 2017. In this regard, only 11 patients were registered in 2017, while the number increased to 18 this year.
As part of the 100-day pledge policy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, efforts are now underway to provide treatment and medication to Thalassemia patients from their resident areas easily.