Maldives Blood Services denied the transfusion of compromised blood to three thalassaemia patients following a freezer malfunction at the Thalassaemia Centre in Malé on April 19. Three units of blood were mistakenly transfused on the morning of April 20 by nurses unaware of the issue while technicians were still assessing whether the blood had been compromised, MBS Director General Ahmeem Farish told media. Families of two patients were informed promptly, while the third could not be reached immediately. In a statement later on Friday night, MBS said that contrary to media reports, the blood was not compromised. The freezer fault was detected around 10pm on April 19 when an automatic alert was triggered, prompting staff to transfer 12 units of blood to a standby freezer. An inspection the next day found the temperature had reached 11°C – above the recommended 10°C limit – but it was unclear for how long. Based on available data and response times, MBS said it was confident the blood remained safe. As a precaution, the remaining nine units from the affected freezer will not be used, MBS said, adding that the Malé City Group of Hospitals has launched an inquiry into possible negligence and one administrative staff member has been suspended pending investigation. It also criticised media reports based on information shared with patients, which it said had caused unnecessary distress.
Malé City Mayor Adam Azim was attacked during a protest on Friday night, when a group of men approached him and struck him on the chest before those around him intervened. Azim accused the government of orchestrating the attack. President Muizzu condemned the incident in a statement issued by the President’s Office. Government spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef said he was “shocked” by Azim’s allegation, adding that it was unclear what evidence supported the claim. He also noted that neither the MDP nor Malé City Council had filed a police complaint. Police launched an investigation after reviewing video footage of the incident.
Two people received treatment at Alif Alif Atoll Hospital following two separate shark attacks at a dive point near Alif Alif Mathiveri, Dhauru reported. A Chinese woman underwent surgery after a shark bit her arm on Wednesday, while a Maldivian man sustained a hand injury in a separate incident on Thursday.
A 17-year-old with dengue fever died on Thursday at Meemu Muli Hospital, multiple media outlets reported. It was the second fatal case this month after the death of a 22-year-old man in Shaviyani Milandhoo on April 13.
The Maldives government signed “minutes of a meeting” on the sidelines of the third high-level conference on Global Action for Shared Development in Beijing, agreeing to develop 500 social housing units in Malé through an interest-free facility from the Chinese government, the housing ministry said. It was signed by State Minister Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed and Liu Junfeng, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.
A 45-year-old man died at Malé Custodial on Thursday. Police said he was found unconscious in his cell that afternoon. He was pronounced dead when he was taken to IGMH. The case has been reported to the Human Rights Commission and the National Integrity Commission, police said.
India’s Narcotics Control Bureau issued an advisory urging travellers to the Maldives not to carry items or baggage on behalf of others, and to remain cautious of unknown individuals requesting the transport of goods. The advisory stressed the importance of maintaining full control over personal luggage, citing tougher penalties for drug smuggling under amendments to the Maldives’ Drug Act last year, as well as a rise in cases involving Indian nationals arrested for drug-related offences.
Parts of Hulhumalé Phase 2 experienced a power cut on Saturday afternoon after a high-voltage cable was damaged during road maintenance work. STELCO said around 2:30pm that efforts were underway to locate the fault and reinstate supply. Electricity was restored to all affected areas shortly after 6pm.
The Human Rights Commission launched an investigation into the death of an 18-year-old girl at a Maldives National University dormitory in Malé last week. HRCM urged the public not to spread false or private information and to refrain from actions that could undermine the dignity of the deceased.
The health ministry expressed concern over a recent series of suicides in the Maldives, urging people to show greater kindness and empathy towards one another. It also advised the public and media against circulating false information, graphic content or unverified reports, warning that such material on social media can cause severe emotional distress to vulnerable individuals and grieving families. The ministry encouraged those experiencing mental health difficulties to seek support through the national mental health helpline 1677, which provides 24/7 psychological first aid. It added that it is working with relevant institutions and professionals to strengthen both temporary and long-term mental health services.
