Health Minister Irthisham Adam has stated that thalassaemia testing services are to be provided in nine atolls in order to facilitate easy access to testing.
Minister Irthisham said that it was a pledge of President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom to grant easy access to testing services in the atolls at the same level as that of Male’. She also said that the Government was working to fulfill that pledge. As such, testing services will be established in nine atolls before the end of this year.
Minister said that testing machines have been placed and training has been provided for staff of Addu City Hithadhoo Regional Hospital. Testing services had begun in the hospital from last week onwards.
Irthisham said that testing services will be provided from HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, R. Ungoofaaru, Thinadhoo Dr. Abdu Samad Regional Hospital, Hulhumale’, HA. Dhihdhoo, GA. Vilingili, Gn. Atoll Hospital.
She added that 6529 filters, costing MVR 13 million, had been brought to Male’ and that these filters and medication will be released. Irthisham also added that negotiations were underway with STO to provide thalassaemia medication using the STO pharmacy network in the island. The negotiations were nearing completion and she added that the service will begin from HA. Atoll.
Minister Irthisham said that even though testing services were previously not available in the atolls, the Ministry had conducted testing camps in seven atolls and will carry out such camps in the future as well.
Thalassaemia testing to be provided in nine atolls
