The Maldives Blood Service (MBS) has introduced nucleic acid testing (NAT) under the Malé City Group of Hospitals (MCGH), marking a major step towards improving the safety of blood transfusions in the country.

Announcing the development on PSM’s Raajje Miadhu programme, MCGH Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem said NAT can detect infections such as Hepatitis B, HIV and Hepatitis C in donated blood much earlier than conventional screening methods, while providing more accurate test results.

He described the introduction of NAT as a significant milestone in modernising the Maldives' blood services in line with international standards. Haleem added that the initiative supports President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's healthcare agenda to strengthen the health sector and improve the quality of public health services.

The new testing system also supports national blood service standards and contributes to the strategic goals of the Maldives Thalassaemia Master Plan 2024–2034.