The Ministry of Health has stated that T2 Star magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will soon be made available for thalassemia patients in the Maldives. The T2* MRI is an imaging technique used to assess iron overload in organs, particularly the heart and liver, in individuals with thalassemia or other conditions that can lead to excessive iron accumulation.
Speaking to PSM News, Public Health Coordinator of the Ministry of Health Faisal Ibrahim said that some of the important tests needed for children with thalassemia are not yet available in the Maldives, including the T2* MRI. However, he expressed confidence that this testing method will be available in Hulhumale' Hospital by the end of February.
As such, Faisal said the hospital staff is being trained to conduct the test and that the ministry is also working to make bone marrow transplant match testing, or HLA typing, available in the Maldives. He noted that the Society for Health Education (SHE) previously conducted the tests in a limited capacity but that the government will make HLA tests available to children in Male' under a specific policy.
The Maldives Blood Services has signed an agreement with the relevant authorities and to make the necessary preparations to begin HLA tests. A foreign delegation is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives within the next week to provide technical assistance.
The government has also launched a special master plan to expand services for thalassemia patients. The plan includes the development of a special hospital for thalassemia patients, introducing tests that were previously unavailable in the country and facilitating free bone marrow transplants.