President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his desire to transform National Thalassaemia Centre into a compassionate and friendly service provider for patients. He made the statement, during the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' podcast hosted by the President’s Office.
Highlighting recent events at the National Thalassaemia Centre in the wake of which the President visited and inspected the facilities, the President shared certain remedial measures underway.
He noted the appointment of a civil servant to manage the centre, which was operating under no specific management and the reshuffling of some employees to ensure better operation. He added that an announcement has been made to recruit 5 nurses for the centre.
On the podcast, the President also shed light on efforts to amass necessary resources for the centre. These include facilitating budgetary requirements for the procurement of testing equipment. The President also reassured close supervision of processes regarding grievances voiced by parents and caregivers, including the issue of blood filters.
Referring to concerns regarding the building that currently hosts the Thalassaemia Centre, the President revealed plans to accelerate work related to “Orange Hiya”, the building to which the centre is to be relocated. Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) would take over work on the completion of Orange Hiya, on April 28, as a national undertaking. He added that the MNDF have been tasked to complete all work within a month.
On the podcast, President assured that instructions have been given to prioritise efficiency and patient convenience, in all work related to the transferral of services to the new premises. He also announced that, once Orange Hiya is operational, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will assign an exclusive bus stop for the building, and free passage for patients.
The President also revealed that preparation is underway to begin work on the establishment of a state-of-the-art thalassaemia care facility as per his presidential pledge.