Trust in hospital contingent on major changes: Villingili Council

Gaafu Alifu Atoll Hospital can only become a facility that the public trusts with major changes to its operations, said Villingili Island Council, after a mother and her newborn died following a caesarean section at the hospital.

In a statement by the council following the incident, the council said the hospital needs to be a credible, professional facility as it is also the hospital used by nearby resorts and the Kooddoo Fisheries Complex as well as the airport there.

The statement signed by all seven councillors called for an investigation into any potential negligence, given that Shiuna Thaufeeq, the mother who went into the hospital with common symptoms, was pronounced dead 24 hours later with her baby.

Shiuna underwent a caesarean section at eight months pregnant after her condition deteriorated. She passed away on the runway of Kooddoo Airport while being transported to Malé. Her baby died in Malé while receiving care.

However, her family alleges that the hospital did not treat her properly from the time she was admitted to the hospital until her death.

The council said it is important to strengthen the health service and improve the quality of services provided to the people to prevent such tragic incidents from happening again.

They also called for the council to revise and improve procedures on transferring patients to the hospital, consultations with doctors, patient care and kindness for admitted patients as well as transfer of patients who needs referrals to other facilities, so that the hospital becomes a place people trust and are safe in.

"Although the government has done a lot and spent a lot to provide reliable healthcare for the public, the full benefits [of these efforts] can only be experience by the people if those in charge are made responsible and necessary action is taken. From this incident, it is evident to this council that the treatment policies in place need significant changes," the statement read.

The council further called for an expedited investigation into the death of Shiuna and her infant as well as for strong action against anyone responsible to prevent such a tragic incidents from happening again.