HDh. Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital (KRH) has condemned the threats made and bribery allegations leveled against its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nazima Ali, in connection with an infant taken into state care shortly after birth.

The mother of the child questioned and expressed concern on social media after the infant was taken under state protection. The 25-year-old mother stated that her child was taken into state care citing her mental health issues and a physical disability in her hand as reasons. She also stated that the child was taken on the third day after birth against her wishes.

This issue went viral on social media, prompting many people to question the reasons behind taking the child into state care. Based on the account published by the mother regarding this case, criticism was aimed at the way the Family Ministry handled the matter.

In a statement released today, KRH stated that the information and allegations circulating on social media claiming that relevant government agencies forcibly took the child from the mother, in relation to an incident alleged to have occurred involving a child and the child's mother, are entirely untrue.

As this is a matter currently being investigated by the Human Rights Commission (HRCM), the hospital gave full assurance that it will provide all necessary information required by government agencies.

"This hospital considers the false stories being spread on social media without checking any facts to be an attempt by certain parties to gain unfair advantage from this matter. Delicate allegations involving children and claims of fundamental rights violations are issues that should be examined and resolved solely through legal and investigative agencies," the statement said.

Therefore, the hospital urged the public to refrain from spreading personal assumptions and false information.

In addition, the hospital expressed concern over threats, abusive language, unwanted and rude messages being sent, and false allegations of taking bribes targeted at hospital CEO Nazima on social media in connection with the incident.

Condemning threats of physical harm, intimidation, and harassment directed at Nazima, the hospital appealed to the public to rely on accurate information released by official authorities.

While the HRCM is also investigating how things transpired in this matter, the Ministry stated that the action taken to take the child into state care was done in accordance with the law, and that a child is taken in such a manner only in situations where protection cannot be ensured by the family.

Providing the necessary protection for the child is a responsibility of the state, and under Article 35 of the Constitution of the Maldives, children and young people have the right to special assistance and special protection from the family, the community, and the state.

The Child and Family Protection Service sent a letter to the family detailing the reasons why the child was taken into state care. According to the letter, the child was taken because safety concerns had been reported to the agency.

The letter stated that the living environment, mental health condition, hand disability, and the lack of anyone in the family to provide care for the mother, who gave birth to the child out of wedlock, were the reasons why the child had to be taken into state care.