The government has decided to establish a specialised hospital exclusively for treating Thalassaemia patients.
The cabinet on Sunday decided to incorporate facilities within the new hospital including 'T2*' testing services which is a critical diagnostic tool patients previously had to seek from private hospitals.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also decided to include DNA testing under the approved list of treatments covered under the Assandha Scheme. DNA testing is a carrier screening process used to identify Thalassaemia inheritance.
A decision was also made to facilitate free bone marrow transplants and strengthen and expand services for Thalassaemia patients.
Strengthening healthcare services offered to thalassaemia patients and facilitating government sponsorship for bone marrow transplants of eligible thalassaemia patients is a key component of the government's first 100-day roadmap.
The cabinet approved a short-term expedited assessment process for finalising Thalassaemia patients requiring bone marrow transplants as part of a strategic initiative to establish a sustainable framework for government-sponsored transplants.
Each year, a set number of eligible Thalassaemia patients would be sponsored for overseas transplant procedures to support ten patients annually by 2028.
Aasandha coverage for 'Endometriosis' and 'PCOS' treatments
The government has further offered comprehensive coverage for 'endometriosis' and 'Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)' treatments under the government's universal healthcare insurance scheme, Aasandha.
The decision was made following deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Social and Family Development to the cabinet.
While the Aasandha Scheme currently provides coverage for 'Endometriosis' and 'PCOS' treatments, this decision addresses the challenge of patients being denied coverage due to the diagnostic links of these conditions, including instances where infertility has been diagnosed.
To facilitate the implementation of this decision, the government intends to conduct a sensitisation programme to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and further refine treatment protocols in government hospitals.
