The Maldives has introduced a new digital thalassaemia carrier card, replacing the previously issued printed cards as part of efforts to modernise and expand healthcare services for people affected by thalassaemia.
Maldivian Blood Services (MBS) announced the change in a statement issued yesterday, describing the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to establish a specialised healthcare system for blood disorders, in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledges.
The new digital system will offer seven different card categories, identifying whether an individual is a thalassaemia carrier or non-carrier. Each card will also contain a dedicated QR code to verify its authenticity.
According to MBS, the digital cards will be issued through email and WhatsApp, making them more accessible and convenient for individuals who need to present their thalassaemia status. The system is also intended to help carriers access important information and guidance when making decisions about marriage and family planning.
The introduction of the digital cards follows decades of efforts to address thalassaemia in the Maldives, where the inherited blood disorder has long been a major public health concern.
The Maldives began its national thalassaemia awareness, screening and counselling programme in 1992, initiated by the Society for Health Education (SHE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The programme was established after research highlighted the high prevalence of thalassaemia carriers across the country.
In 1994, the Government established the National Thalassaemia Centre to provide specialised care and treatment for patients. The centre was later merged with the National Blood Transfusion Services in 2012 to form Maldivian Blood Services.
The Maldives has historically recorded one of the world’s highest thalassaemia carrier rates, with studies estimating that approximately 16–18 per cent of the population carries beta-thalassaemia. The nationwide screening programme has played an important role in identifying carriers, providing genetic counselling and reducing the number of children born with severe forms of the disorder. The country also introduced DNA testing for thalassaemia in 2005, strengthening its diagnostic capabilities.
In a further development aimed at improving diagnostic services, MBS said DNA testing to identify a wider range of haemoglobin mutations is now available locally through its services under the Maldives Tertiary Hospitals Group. The service allows for the identification of multiple haemoglobin mutations in accordance with international medical standards.
The introduction of digital cards marks another step towards modernising the country’s thalassaemia services, with the new system expected to make carrier identification, verification and access to relevant health information easier.
