The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), on Thursday, launched an investigation into the possibility of negligence in the death of a staff member of Kandima Maldives that tested positive for COVID-19.
Adam Naseer, a 60-year-old Maldivian male passed away on October 30 while receiving treatment at Kudahuvadhoo Hospital in Dhaalu Atoll. He was confirmed to have COVID-19 after a PCR test was conducted following his death as a result of a heart attack.
According to HRCM, the inquiry was launched on the commission's initiative.
The family of the deceased has also confirmed their intention to lodge a case with the human rights watchdog and other relevant institutions regarding the resort's negligence in providing medical treatment.
According to the family's account of events, Naseer visited the resort's clinic with a fever 10 days before his death and had follow-up consultations with the resident doctor as the symptoms did not respond to medication. It was also noted that Naseer had informed the resort clinic that he was experiencing COVID symptoms such as a reduced sense of smell and taste.
The family of the deceased claims that the resort management refused to make any arrangements for Naseer to leave the island to seek medical treatment despite several requests from Naseer.
In addition to the family, the Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) also alleged that Kandima Maldives was negligent in Naseer's treatment and requested relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
Kandima Maldives has denied all allegations that negligence was involved in the death.
Speaking to local media outlet Mihaaru, a senior member of the resort's management stated that that there was no reason for the resort to deny medical assistance to any employee. He noted that an employee's medical costs would not be viewed as a burden to the resort.
He revealed that Naseer had been taken to Kudahuvadhoo Hospital along with the resort doctor and a senior member of management within 30 minutes after he reported breathing difficulties.
"Not testing an employee with symptoms was a mistake. I acknowledge that".
He also acknowledged that Naseer should have been placed under isolation, describing it as a mistake made by the doctor.
However, he asserted that claims of negligence on Kandima's part were inaccurate, expressing his opinion that other employees would have notified relevant authorities via social media or through other means if the resort had actively prevented Naseer from seeking medical attention.
According to the standard operating procedure publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), if an employee exhibits any symptoms of COVID-19, they must be placed under isolation.
The senior management member went on to state that the resort implemented adequate social distancing measures for workers and attributed the spread of the virus to workers socializing during off duty hours.
Furthermore, he noted that all 200 of Kandima's staff, which includes both locals and foreigners, had health insurance and that the resort clinic was upgraded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), a total of 46 individuals have now tested positive from Kandima Maldives.
A medical team from Dhaalu Atoll Hospital is currently operating on the resort in order to conduct contact tracing efforts and collect samples. HEOC also revealed that efforts were underway to transport high-risk individuals that tested positive to a health facility.
The COVID-19 outbreak in Kandima marks the first outbreak of this magnitude in a tourist resort.
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