Health Minister announces probe into whether medical negligence involved in child's death

An investigation has been launched to investigate whether the 13-year-old boy from Gaafu Alifu Atoll Villingili, Mohamed Jaah Khalid, passed away due to medical negligence, following an extended period of time it took for him to be transported to Malé for further medical treatment.

On Wednesday night, he was placed on ventilator at Villingili Hospital and transported to Malé City late Thursday evening. However, he passed away in the ICU of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) while undergoing treatment around 11 a.m. yesterday.

Amidst widespread criticism, Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel told Mihaaru News today that he would investigate whether negligence or other factors played a role in the child's passing. He added that action would be taken once the the matter is looked into.

The Minister said that transporting individuals in critical conditions is a common occurrence. He added that, although complaints are received, MNDF promptly responds when special vehicles. In particular, sea ambulances are utilized for nearby islands.

The Minister mentioned that currently, there are no dedicated government aircrafts for patient transport, and as a temporary solution, flight seats need to be reduced with stretchers installed when required. However, he assured that these challenges will be addressed with the launch of the air ambulance on March 1 as part of the initiation of medical services.

"God willing, the air ambulance service, according to the President's vision, will be introduced on March 1, bringing an end to the delays in patient transportation," he said.

Earlier Minister Khaleel said that the government plans to establish tertiary-level hospitals in five locations across the Maldives, aiming to alleviate the demand for medical treatment in the Malé area.

With the death of the child in Villingili, the government has changed the policy of the national airline, Maldivian, to give priority to flights carrying patients over scheduled flights in emergency medical situations.

President sends condolences to family of 13 year old child who died after delayed medevac

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