Thalassemia Hospital Development Agreement Signed in Maldives

In a significant move for healthcare in the Maldives, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with Malaysia's Meadow Asia Company to develop a special hospital dedicated to treating children with thalassemia. The hospital, which will be constructed on a 72,000 square foot land plot allocated by the government in Hulhumalé Phase II, aims to address the growing need for advanced medical care for those affected by the condition.

The signing ceremony took place at Crossroads Maldives, coinciding with the launch of the Thalassemia Prevention and Control Management Master Plan. Attending the ceremony were Maldives' Health Minister Abdulla Naazim Ibrahim, Meadow Asia's CEO and Managing Director Stuart J. Venner Pack, and Roger Lim Swee Kiat, CEO of Chen Hin Engineering Group, along with Liu Tao, Managing Director of  Sinoma Engineering Industry. The latter company will provide financial and technical support to ensure that the hospital meets international standards.

Designed as a full-fledged thalassemia care center, the three-storey hospital will include cutting-edge facilities such as laboratories, private rooms, isolation units, ICUs, a bone marrow transplant unit, and even count replacement services. An emergency room, canteen, and children's play area are also part of the hospital’s design, creating a well-rounded space for both treatment and comfort.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that primarily affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin. The Maldives has one of the highest carrier rates for thalassemia in the world, making the establishment of this specialized hospital a crucial development. According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the Maldives' thalassemia rate stands at an estimated 18%, requiring continuous treatment including regular blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.

This project fulfills a key election promise of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who has emphasized the importance of improving healthcare services for children in the Maldives. With the hospital expected to provide specialized care, it offers hope to many families affected by the disease.

A visual presentation of the planned Thalassemia Centre was also shown during the event, featuring a painting of the future hospital. The building is poised to become a central hub for thalassemia treatment in the country, and its construction marks a significant step toward better health services for those in need.