Maldives Blood Services (MBS) has introduced a digital thalassaemia card, replacing the print versions which are currently issued. 

In an announcement issued yesterday, MBS said that the introduction of the digital thalassaemia card is part of its phased efforts to establish a comprehensive treatment system for blood disorders. 

With this change, instead of the previously issued printed card, a digital card will be issued showing seven distinctions and indicating whether the card holder is a thalassaemia carrier or not. 

The card will contain a special QR code to establish its authenticity. Through this QR code, key information and advice on family planning will be available for thalassaemia carriers, MBS said. 

MBS said that, at present, the card is being issued via WhatsApp or email. 

In February this year, a DNA laboratory was established which conducts various thalassaemia tests. This was part of efforts to strengthen the thalassaemia screening process under the Thalassaemia Control laws. 

The service was newly introduced in the Maldives by MBS, which is operated under the Maldives Tertiary Hospitals Group. MBS said that they are working on digitalizing processes of many of their services.