Health Minister Irthisham Adam has stated that out of the 18 children sent for bone marrow operations seven had returned back after successful operations.
Speaking to press, Minister Irthisham said that an additional 16 will depart for the operation on Monday.
She added that a total of 18 children had been sent abroad from the proceeds of the Government fund in alliance with Maldives Blood Services, NSPA and Islamic Ministry. However, Minister Irthisham did not specify which Government fund was used in the process.
In the inauguration ceremony of the project it was announced that the project will be fully funded from the proceeds of the zakath fund. This is to include all the expenses incurred in travelling and staying abroad. In the ceremony, 34 children were given their letters stating that they were eligible for the operation. The letters were handed by President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom.
The then Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed had stated that the bone marrow operation would cost between US$ 20,000 and US$ 30,000. As the only cure for thalassaemia patients is a bone marrow transplant Dr. Shaheem had said that spending the zakath fund on this was a worthwhile cause
Many had thanked the government for spearheading such an initiative.
Seven children return after successful bone marrow operation
