MALE, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' Health Minister Abdulla Ameen has inaugurated a nationwide system to facilitate convenient treatment to patients suffering from Thalassemia, local media reported Monday.

During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Ameen said the new system will enable Thalassemia patients across the Maldives to access medicine and treatment equipment through the State Trading Organization (STO).

Under the newly established system, every medical center in Maldives will be required to submit monthly reports to the Health Ministry, outlining any steps deemed necessary in establishing a sustainable treatment system for Thalassemia patients.

The minister said the government also intends to host several Thalassemia related activities in the coming five years. This includes national screening and providing genetic counselling.

The Maldivian Thalassemia Society recently said the island country currently has the highest prevalence of Thalassemia in the world.

Regulations in the Maldives make it compulsory for couples to do a blood test for Thalassemia before getting married. Authorities do not forbid marriage between two carriers but it is discouraged.