IGMH disclosure of patient data 'unlawful': Lawyers

Some lawyers have criticized the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for issuing a public statement detailing the condition of a man who suffered a heart attack during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) protest on Friday night, saying it breaches the Health Services Act.

MDP Hulhumale' Central Vice President Mohamed Raslaan suffered a heart attack during the rally and was admitted to the ICU at IGMH. He has since been moved to the CCU.

The hospital issued a statement on Saturday night outlining Raslaan’s condition and stating that pepper spray “does not directly cause a heart attack”. The statement added that individuals with pre-existing health conditions could experience cardiac events due to stressors.

However, lawyer Ibrahim Shameel said on social media that the statement violated Article 40 of the Health Services Act, which guarantees the confidentiality of all patient information, including health status and treatment.

Under the Act, such information may only be disclosed in limited circumstances, with written consent from the patient, by court order, when required by law, or when requested in writing by a healthcare provider fulfilling their duties.

Violating this provision constitutes an offence punishable by a fine of between MVR 10,000 and MVR 100,000. Repeat offenders may also face imprisonment of up to one year.

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said Raslaan’s condition remained unstable and that doctors were conducting further procedures.

Heart attacks typically occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to blood clots and underlying health issues.