Maldives Establishes Zakat Fund to Support Cancer Patients

The Maldives has introduced a new Zakat fund aimed at providing financial assistance to cancer patients in the country. The Maldives Zakat House, a newly established institution responsible for overseeing matters related to Zakat, released its monthly statistics for March, revealing that the highest amount of aid from the Zakat Fund last month was utilized for cancer treatment.

According to the statistics, cancer treatment accounted for 28% of the total expenditure from the Zakat Fund in March. Other major expenditures included 26% for brain surgeries, 4% for liver transplants, and 1% for heart operations. The remaining 41% was used for various other healthcare treatments.

Why this matters: The establishment of the Zakat Fund in the Maldives constitutes a notable advancement towards providing financial support for cancer patients who may struggle to afford necessary treatments. By allocating a substantial portion of the fund to cancer treatment, the Maldives is demonstrating its commitment to improving healthcare access and support for its citizens.

In addition to cancer treatment, the Zakat Fund also provided financial assistance for individuals in need due to special circumstances, amounting to MVR 17,207.65. The fund allocated MVR 248,604 for travelers requiring aid, MVR 44,563.80 for scholarships, and MVR 374,950.28 for employee remuneration.

Moreover, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs decided to issue USD 100,000 from the Zakat Fund to assist those in need in Palestine and Gaza. This decision highlights the Maldives' commitment to extending support beyond its borders and providing aid to those facing hardships in other regions.

The introduction of the Zakat Fund in the Maldives serves as a vital resource for cancer patients and others in need of financial assistance for healthcare treatments. By prioritizing cancer treatment in its expenditure, the fund aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families, ensuring that they can access the necessary care without facing insurmountable financial obstacles.

Key Takeaways

• Maldives introduced a Zakat fund to aid cancer patients financially.
• Cancer treatment accounted for 28% of the Zakat Fund's March expenditure.
• Zakat Fund also provided aid for travelers, scholarships, and employee remuneration.
• Maldives issued $100,000 from Zakat Fund to assist those in need in Palestine and Gaza.
• Zakat Fund aims to alleviate financial burden on patients and ensure access to necessary care.