Tragic Child Death Sparks Parliamentary Investigation into Hospital Transfer Delays

In a somber turn of events, the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the Parliament has launched an investigation into the death of a child who passed away after being treated at Villigili Hospital and subsequently transferred to the capital, Malé. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the efficiency of emergency medical transfers and prompted calls for a review of the existing system.

The child, who had been under medical care at Villigili Hospital, was advised to be transferred to the capital for advanced treatment at 5:04 am on the 18th of this month. Shockingly, the child arrived at the hospital in Malé at 5:15 pm, a staggering 12 hours after the initial transfer request. Unfortunately, despite efforts to provide advanced medical care, the child succumbed to their condition at 11:10 am on Saturday while undergoing treatment at IGMH Hospital in Malé City.

The delay in the child's transfer has sparked outrage and concern among the public, leading to urgent discussions within the Parliament. A committee meeting is scheduled for this afternoon to address the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident and to propose measures to prevent similar delays in the future.

President Mohammed Muizzu has responded swiftly to the incident, issuing orders to strengthen the system for transporting individuals to the city for emergency medical treatment. In light of the President's directive, The Maldivian Airline has pledged to pay special attention to carrying patients, signalling a commitment to improving emergency medical transportation services.

It is noteworthy that the issue arises at a time when the Maldivian government has ceased the use of helicopters and Donier flights from neighboring India for medical evacuation. The circumstances surrounding this decision are yet to be clarified, but it adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions about the adequacy and efficiency of the current emergency medical transfer system.