The Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Endowments stated today that the decision has been made to send six children with thalassemia overseas for bone marrow transplant with the aid of the Zakat Fund.

The children will be traveling to India for the bone marrow transplant.

The ministry said this is the first group of children with thalassemia that will be sent overseas to receive the treatment within this year. The ministry also said once all administrative matters have been settled, an additional four children will go overseas as well.

The Islamic Ministry went on to say MVR 2.5 million was sent from the Zakat Fund to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) in order to secure funding for the children with thalassemia who are eligible for the bone marrow transplant.

The aid is being given under an agreement that was signed between the Islamic Ministry and the Health Ministry in February 2024. The agreement states 10 children will be sent overseas for bone marrow transplant treatment, with the expenses being covered by the Zakat Fund.

According to the Islamic Ministry, more than MVR 23 million has been spent from the fund since 2024 in order to help children who meet the requirements with bone marrow transplant treatments.

Before the agreement was signed, the ministry said aid has been given for bone marrow transplant treatment on various occasions via the fund since 2014.