President Dr Mohamed Waheed has today ratified the Thalassaemia Control Bill, which was passed by the People’s Majlis on 25 April. Following ratification, the bill has been published in the Government Gazette.
The Thalassaemia Control Act defines Thalassaemia as an inherited condition caused by faulty synthesis of haemoglobin.
The Act provides for the control of the rate of increase in Thalassaemia in the Maldives, and treatment for Thalassaemia patients, by the government.
Some of the objectives which the Act seeks to achieve include:
- control of the rate of increase in Thalassaemia
- establish a sustainable treatment system for Thalassaemia patients
- create public awareness about the condition
A Thalassaemia and other Haemoglobinopathies Centre has been formed under the Act.