Family agrees to negotiate settlement in 5-year-old Sadha’s death - if state admits to negligence

The family of a five-year-old girl who died at the Fuvahmulah Hospital in 2021, has agreed to negotiate an out-of-court settlement, if the state admits to medical negligence in the case.

Sadha Saudhulla was taken to Fuvahmulah Hospital on October 3, 2021, with stomach pain and vomiting, after she failed to receive services from the flu clinic.

Her father, Saudhulla Ahmed Hassan Didi, said that she had passed away shortly after being administered an injection at the hospital.

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) found there was sufficient grounds to believe the doctors and nurses had been negligent in her treatment. The commission also decided that the family has the right to sue for compensation.

The family subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Health Ministry with the Civil Court.

At a hearing on Sunday, the lawyer for Sadha’s parents said the family is willing to enter negotiations for an out-of-court settlement if the state admits to medical negligence.

The court gave the two sides two days to discuss and make a decision.

At Sunday’s hearing, the family’s lawyer, Mariyam Shunana said Sadha’s parents wanted to settle because the long court process was delaying justice.

Sadha’s death led to the suspension of the medical licenses of two doctors involved in her care. The HRCM investigation found the medial staff treated the young girl without properly checking her medical history.

It also found there were delays treatment, despite the fact that her condition required urgent care.