Preliminary examinations have begun at Manipal Hospital in Bangalore, India, for six thalassaemia patients from the Maldives who are undergoing bone marrow transplant procedures, Maldives Blood Services (MBS) has said.
The procedures are funded by the Zakat Fund. The fund provided between MVR900,000 and MVR1 million to each of the six children, covering the cost of medical procedures, return airfares, and 3-month accommodation.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) will cover additional costs if any of the patients require post-surgery treatment, MBS said.
The Government handed over financial assistance to the six children on November 30, 2016.
Back then, the Government said President Abdulla Yameen Abdulla Yameen's pledge to assist 25 thalassaemia children to undergo bone marrow transplants during his 5-year term had now been fulfilled.
Over 57 thalassaemia patients have so far underwent bone marrow transplants with financial assistance from the Government.