President returns Thalassemia bill to parliament for reconsideration
The bill mandated individuals identified as potential carriers of thalassemia to participate in a designated programme before marriage.
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President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has returned the First Amendment Bill to the Thalassaemia Control Act to Parliament for reconsideration.
Parliament passed the bill last week and subsequently forwarded to the President’s Office for ratification.
"However, citing concerns raised by the Maldivian Blood Services, thalassaemic patients, and their families, the President decided to return the bill for revision. The decision was made in light of the need for additional amendments to ensure the Act’s objectives are fully realised and that services provided to thalassaemic patients are comprehensive and effective," a statement from the President's Office read.
The bill mandated individuals identified as potential carriers of thalassemia to participate in a designated programme before marriage.
The amendment was proposed by Ahmed Naseer, a Member of Parliament representing the People’s National Congress (PNC), on 23 June. The bill was reviewed by the Social Affairs Committee, which submitted its report last week with only minor revisions related to spelling corrections.
Under the existing legislation, individuals who are likely to have children with thalassemia are not required to undergo any premarital counselling or awareness programme. The amendment introduced the following changes:
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Couples intending to marry in the Maldives must first apply to the Registrar after undergoing a thalassemia test and submitting the results.
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If the results indicate the possibility of thalassemia in future offspring, the marriage may only proceed after the couple completes a programme established under the Act.
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The programme will include specified content and identify those who are required to complete it, as outlined in the forthcoming regulations.
The regulation detailing the programme must be finalised and published in the government gazette within one month of the bill’s ratification.
The amendment also introduced changes to the appointment process and qualifications required for the position of Director of the Thalassemia Centre.
Currently, the Director is appointed by the Civil Service Commission without the involvement of the relevant ministry. The current legal requirement is for the appointee to have experience in both management and thalassemia and to operate under the general direction of the minister.
The amendment changed this by:
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Requiring the appointment to be made by the Civil Service Commission based on the recommendation of the Minister.
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Setting a five-year term for the position.
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Mandating a minimum Level 8 or 9 qualification in a management-related field, with at least 10 years of experience in the health sector, including four years in a management role.
The Director General will be responsible to the Minister and is required to perform duties under the Minister’s advice and guidance.
