Six thalassemia patients return to Maldives after bone marrow transplants

Six Maldivian thalassemia patients have returned home to their families after successfully undergoing bone marrow transplants overseas.

The return of the six thalassemia patients – whose bone marrow transplants were sponsored by the state – was announced by Maldives Blood Services (MBS) in a post on X on Sunday morning.

“This reflects our continued commitment to improving care for children with thalassemia,” added MBS.

The six patients had travelled overseas for bone marrow transplants last year.

Maldives is home to the largest population of thalassemia patients in the South East Asia region, with over 600 registered thalassemia patients.

Last year, the government launched a 10-year masterplan to prevent and control thalassemia in the Maldives, including plans to build a designated hospital for thalassemia patients.