The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) stated today that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the case of a child who reportedly did not receive a feeding tube requested through NSPA for eight months.
The family of 6 year old Ibrahim Azan Suhail, who had Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, wrote on Facebook that the only way he could be fed was through a feeding tube. They noted that despite requesting the tube through Aasandha to be brought via STO, it was not received for eight months.
The child’s condition worsened, and he passed away yesterday while being treated at IGMH. However, the family clarified that the failure to receive the feeding tube was not the sole issue surrounding his death.
The feeding tube was reportedly obtained only after the child, who had been receiving treatment since birth, was admitted to IGMH last Sunday due to his deteriorating condition. However, the family stated that by the time the tube was provided, the child's condition was already too serious for it to be inserted.
Amid widespread public criticism of NSPA and STO regarding this matter, those agencies have also stated they are looking into the issue.
In a statement released today, HRCM noted that the social media post made on the 16th of this month by the child’s mother, Aminath Yashfa, regarding the failure to receive the feeding tube in a timely manner, had come to the commission's attention. The commission initiated an investigation the following day.
The commission stated that the investigation is examining whether a system is in place to ensure Maldivian citizens receive necessary assistance without delay, and whether the state is guaranteeing the right to life, the right to quality healthcare, and the special protection afforded by the Constitution to children, the elderly, and persons with special needs.
HRCM further stated it is investigating whether the state has established procedures to resolve a citizen's request for assistance before the matter becomes moot or urgent.
The commission asserted that following the investigation, it would inform the relevant agencies of the necessary reforms. HRCM also noted it would monitor the extent to which its recommendations are implemented.
Furthermore, HRCM stated it would provide information on the matter to the Parliament.
"Following the investigation of this matter, we will mandate and inform the relevant state institutions of the things that must be reformed. This commission will also continue to monitor the extent to which the advice and proposals provided by this commission are being implemented," the statement read.
In her social media post, the child’s mother stated that she had requested two PEG tubes for her son's feeding last August. She mentioned contacting STO multiple times and visiting the pharmacy in Hulhumalé due to the delay.
She stated that on the day she wrote that status, STO had informed her the order was delayed because NSPA had not approved it. However, she expressed concern that she had received no response from STO regarding the reason for the delay even before posting on Facebook.
