The Maldives Immigration said today that they are investigating the case of Dr Mala Ali Mahmood and taking legal actions against him.
The Iraqi-born physician who makes claims to be able to heal people with hearing and vision impairments, "treated" a number of patients in the Maldives. He arrived in Maldives late last month. The Ministry of Health had launched an investigation claiming that Mala treated patients without procuring necessary permissions; however, he had left the country by then.
Immigration Controller Mohamed Ahmed Hussain said that action is being taken against Mala under the laws and regulations of Maldives. Although he did not elaborate, it is likely that Mala will be banned from entering Maldives in the future.
A Health Ministry official told Mihaaru News on Tuesday that the case of Mala treating patients without the Ministry's permission is being investigated. He also said that local involvement in Mala's arrival is also being investigated.
"It is believed that there is involvement of some local citizens in his arrival. If so, action will be taken against them. A request has been made to the Immigration Department to prevent him from entering Maldives," the official said.
The families of the patients said no one whom Mala treated after his arrival in Maldives have recovered.
He has been accused by various countries of fraudulently claiming to treat people in this way. He has previously been arrested in Saudi Arabia as well.