Maldives Blood Services introduces Thalassemia digital card

The Maldives Blood Services (MBS) has introduced a digital Thalassemia card to replace the existing printed card. According to a statement by MBS, the move is part of a phased effort to establish a specialised treatment system for blood diseases. The new digital card will include seven characteristics indicating whether a person is a Thalassemia carrier. A special QR code will also be included to verify the card's authenticity and provide easy access to important information for family planning by Thalassemia carriers. The digital card is currently available via WhatsApp and email. A DNA analysis laboratory to identify Thalassemia types had been opened in February, with Darul Shifa Hospital CEO Ibrahim Abdurrazzaq Halim stating that the lab can identify mutations of 27 types of hereditary blood mutations. Statistics indicate that 546 children and individuals with Thalassemia are registered at the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).