MBS dismisses coordinator after thalassaemia patients' protest
A protest was held on Saturday night after a meeting between the patients, their families, and the management of MBS.
The Maldives Blood Service (MBS) has dismissed its coordinator, Faisal Ibrahim, following complaints from thalassaemia patients and their families regarding services at the Thalassaemia Centre.
A protest was held on Saturday night after a meeting between the patients, their families, and the management of MBS. The following day, changes were made within the management:
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Faisal Ibrahim was removed from his position as coordinator and transferred to a role unrelated to MBS.
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Ahsan Hussain, a director at MBS, was also dismissed.
Following President Mohamed Muizzu’s statement on Sunday that he would address the concerns at MBS, the government appointed a director general and announced plans to recruit additional staff. These include:
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Ahmed Maumoon, a former IGMH employee with management experience, was appointed as Director General.
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The Health Ministry stated that a Deputy Director General and a director would be appointed.
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A physician will be recruited.
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Five nurses were announced for recruitment.
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Administrative staff are also being hired.
President Muizzu, accompanied by Health Minister Abdulla Nazim, visited MBS on Sunday to assess the situation and listen to concerns.
Patients and their families raised several issues, including:
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Shortages of medicines and difficulties in obtaining blood.
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Lack of management representatives in official communication channels between MBS and patients.
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Absence of a nursing head and a stock keeper.
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Unavailability of patients’ medical history at MBS.
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Closure of MBS on public holidays.
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Lack of a permanent physician at MBS, with visiting physician services also discontinued.
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Discontinuation of medicine distribution by MBS, requiring patients to obtain medication from pharmacies.
The government has pledged to address these concerns and improve services at the Thalassaemia Centre.
