MNDF begins efforts to shift Thalassemia Centre to Orange Hiyaa

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has commenced physical works to shift to Thalassemia Centre in Male’ City, in worn down conditions, to the newly being developed Orange Hiyaa in Hulhumale’ Phase I.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Wednesday, announced that MNDF will be taking Orange Hiyaa, a project that is largely unfinished despite the contract nearing its expiration, in an effort to fast-track its completion as part of a national undertaking.

While MNDF commenced works in this trajectory on Thursday, Chief of Defense Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy inspected the work of soldiers.

Chief of Defense Force Hilmy was accompanied by Vice Chief of Defense Force, Brigadier General Ahmed Giyas, MNDF’s Service Corp Commandant, Colonel Ismail Naseer and heads of Service Corp Units.

MNDF stated that its Service Corp is handling the project under the supervision of Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. In this regard, MNDF detailed its military electrical and mechanical engineers will be responsible for the electrical wiring and the installation of air conditioners in the building.

Meanwhile, MNDF said ICT-related work under the project is being carried out by MNDF Signals’ technical soldiers.

According to MNDF, its electrical and mechanical engineers’ design team redesigned the building before commencing physical works. Some of the changes in this regard, were made to appeal to children.

MNDF is targeting to complete the project before April 25th.

Efforts to expedite the completion of Orange Hiyaa began following protests at the Thalassemia Centre in Male’ City over concerns regarding the increase in the wastage of blood due to damage to the filters used at the centre.

President Muizzu subsequently visited the facility on Sunday, during which he checked updates on the status of all departments of the centre. He also met with the thalassemia patients who were there at the time as well as their family members and listened to their concerns.

Speaking during the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' podcast on Wednesday, the President assured that instructions have been given to prioritize efficiency and patient convenience, in all work related to the transfer of services in Thalassemia Centre to Orange Hiyaa.

He also noted that preparations were underway to begin work on the establishment of a state-of-the-art thalassemia care facility as per his presidential pledge.

MNDF soldiers have also been deployed in the past to speed up crucial national projects. For example, during former president Mohamed Nasheed's administration, the Equatorial Convention Centre in Addu City, built for the SAARC Summit, was completed with substantial help from the MNDF.