President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) would take over work on the completion of Orange Hiya, on April 28, as a national undertaking.
The Orange Hiya is set to house the Thalassaemia Centre once it is completed, as the current facilities are in grave need of vital upgrades.
He made the statement during the 'Rayyithunnaa Eku' podcast the President’s Office hosted.
The President added that MNDF has been tasked with completing the building in 1 month.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also expressed his desire to transform the National Thalassaemia Centre into a compassionate and friendly service provider for patients.
Highlighting recent events at the National Thalassaemia Centre in the wake of which the President visited and inspected the facilities, the President shared certain remedial measures underway.
He noted the appointment of a civil servant to manage the centre, which was operating under no specific management, and the reshuffling of some employees to ensure better operation. He added that an announcement has been made to recruit 5 nurses for the centre.
On the podcast, the President also shed light on efforts to amass necessary resources for the center. These include facilitating budgetary requirements for the procurement of testing equipment. The President also reassured close supervision of processes regarding grievances voiced by parents and caregivers, including the issue of blood filters.
On the podcast, President assured that instructions have been given to prioritise efficiency and patient convenience in all work related to the transferral of services to the new premises. He also announced that, once Orange Hiya is operational, Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) will assign an exclusive bus stop for the building, and free passage for patients.
The President also revealed that preparation is underway to begin work on the establishment of a state-of-the-art thalassaemia care facility as per his presidential pledge.
