N. Atoll Hospital under investigation following five-month-old’s death

Health Ministry is investigating Noonu Atoll Hospital, which stands accused of negligence in the sudden death of a five-month-old girl from N. Fodhdhoo, who passed away earlier on Thursday.

The girl was first examined at Fodhdhoo Health Centre before being transferred to Velidhoo Health Centre due to fever and failure to feed. Velidhoo Health Centre, citing that the girl was in a critical state, recommended her immediate transfer to Male’.

However, the procedure dictated that she would be transferred to Noonu Atoll Hospital based in Manadhoo, the atoll’s capital, for further treatment. According to her family, Noonu Atoll Hospital recommended her transfer to Male’ on Thursday morning, 24 hours after she was brought to the hospital.

The family said the girl had died by the time the air ambulance was arranged for her transfer.

Speaking with Sun, the girl’s father, Idhuham, raised severe allegations against Noonu Atoll Hospital. In this regard, Idhuham has accused the hospital of lying and misleading the family on various matters.

As the family was preparing for her funeral, Idhuham was unable to elaborate further at this time.

However, Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas who spoke with Sun shared details of the incident. In this regard, Abbas detailed that there was a significant delay before Noonu Atoll Hospital informed there was no further treatment that could offer for the girl. According to Abbas, doctors had still not informed the deteriorating condition of the girl, even then. He emphasized that there was no probable reason for a 24 delay in ascertaining the exact condition of the girl.

He further detailed that the relevant documents were only prepared this morning after a phone call to the hospital’s manager. Although her transfer was immediately approved at 11:50am, Abbas said she had already passed away.

Abbas said her death is a result of negligence by Noonu Atoll Hospital where doctors failed to seriously treat the girl.

“It has been clear since last night that her condition was critical. The sea was not rough. There is sea ambulance as well. But the doctors at the hospital were careless. This is directly a result of Noonu Atoll Hospital’s negligence,” he said.

Abbas questioned who would bear responsibility in this case.

When questioned regarding the case, Noonu Atoll Hospital’s director Mohamed Rilwan denied the accusations, particularly denying claims made by Abbas.

Rilwan said the girl had not been in the hospital for 24 hours before her death, adding she had only been brought in at 2:50am last night. He detailed that the case was immediately referred to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in capital Male’ and a decision was taken following discussions within five hours.

Rilwan further said once the emergency evacuation and other necessary documents were submitted to Aasandha, it was accepted at 10:38am, upon which travel arrangements were made.

According to the hospital, the girl was declared dead at 12:35pm.

Rilwan noted that the doctor who examined the girl at the hospital was a consultant in pediatrics.

“First of all, we have to ensure whether the patient is in a stable condition for travel. The safety of their life is the priority,” he said.

Health Ministry confirmed to Sun that they are investigating the case after it was brought to their attention.