MP calls for local autopsy services amid rising unexplained deaths

As unexplained deaths in the Maldives continue to rise, opposition MP of north Galolhu constituency, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), has called for the establishment of post-mortem facilities within the country.

In a letter addressed to Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, MP highlighted that seven suspicious deaths have occurred over the past two months. In it, he also cited Maldives Police Services' shared information about such bodies being sent abroad for autopsies.

He further wrote that unexplained deaths are an increasing concern for the public and said that he believes it is absolutely necessary to establish post mortem facilities in the country and provide transparency regarding such deaths.

He emphasised that a domestic facility would significantly reduce costs associated with transporting bodies overseas for forensic examination.

Kudu referenced the Criminal Procedure Code, which empowers the police to conduct post-mortems to determine the cause of death in criminal cases. He also noted that police procedures for post-mortem investigations were formally gazetted on 24th May 2022, and that the Health Ministry had also published the National Standard for Forensic Medical Services last year.

Additionally, he highlighted that section 69 of the Health Services Act mandates the Health Minister to designate healthcare facilities for forensic and post-mortem examinations.

"So, as there are no legal barriers to conducting autopsies within the Maldives, I request this to be implemented as soon as possible," he wrote.

Along with his letter, he also attached legal documents to support his claim and request.