Parliament accepts first amendment to Thalassemia Control Act

Parliament has accepted the first amendment to the Thalassemia Control Act, which originally came into force in 2012.

The bill was proposed by Ihavandhoo MP Ahmed Naseer on behalf of the government and was approved with 49 votes in favor and none against.

The legislation, originally passed on 25 April 2012 under the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed, became law on 10 May 2012 and has remained unchanged until now.

The proposed changes aim to introduce new procedures for the treatment and prevention of thalassemia.

Stipulations of the bill include defining the responsibilities and qualifications of the Director General of the Thalassemia and Hemoglobin Centre, ensuring comprehensive care for thalassemia patients, and creating a marriage registry to identify individuals at risk of having children with thalassemia.

MP Naseer said the amendments will strengthen the existing legal framework and introduce necessary updates, including revisions to Article 11 of the Act, and additions to sections in addition to 6 (c), (d), (e), and (f). Clause 3 of Article 6 (c) is also set to be amended. He said the law should be amended to set clear rules for the marriage of individuals believed to carry the thalassaemia gene.

During the debate, Huraa MP Anaara Naeem expressed support for the bill, stating it was long overdue. She emphasized the need to raise public awareness, particularly among young people, about the implications of thalassemia when choosing a life partner.

The debate was cut short as Parliament adjourned for the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla said discussions would resume in the next sitting as all members are required to debate on the bill.