President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that he was unaware of the condition of the Thalassemia Center which is operated under the Health Ministry.

In a video message posted by the President's Office on Sunday, Muizzu said he was unaware of the condition and the failure to resolve issues.

"I was unaware that no progress has been made till now," he said after visiting the Thalassemia Center following protests by patients and their families.

Muizzu said documents prove that Thalassemia patients and their families had met officials over the past year to find solutions to their concerns.

"But no practical work seems to have been done. So I have decided today to bring changes internally. And to bring necessary changes to the operations. Hopefully, these changes will be made in the coming days," he said.

Muizzu also inspected the new building for the Thalassemia Center in Hulhumale'. He promised to work to improve services and facilities.

The issue escalated after a large number of blood bags were thrown away due to low-quality filters used in the process of collecting blood from donors. There are also concerns over medicine shortage.