Villingili residents protest over hospital negligence

Residents of GA. Villingili staged a protest on Saturday, citing concerns over alleged negligence at Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital.

The demonstration follows the deaths of Shiuna Thaufeeq and her newborn son after a caesarean section at the hospital on Wednesday night.

Protesters, dressed in black, gathered in front of the hospital and marched through the streets. Among them were Shiuna’s husband, Shifaz Zahir, and her children.

Shifaz recounted the events leading to his wife's death, stating that there were delays in providing appropriate medical treatment. He said oxygen was administered for an extended period before a decision was made to transfer her to a different facility. The transfer was delayed due to a cancelled flight from GA. Kooddoo to Male, and he claimed there was insufficient oxygen in the air ambulance. Shiuna passed away on the runway.

Shifaz called for improvements at the hospital, including the availability of a paediatrician and adequate medical resources. He urged the government to enhance healthcare services in the island.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what my wife and child experienced. My wife will not return, but the hospital must improve,” he said.

Protesters alleged that this was not the first case of negligence at the hospital. Some claimed that other patients had died due to inadequate treatment and poor medical services.

“We need qualified doctors and better equipment,” one protester said.

Government authorities have launched multiple investigations into the deaths. Home Minister Ali Ihsan stated that the police have been asked to conduct a criminal investigation. The Health Ministry is also conducting an inquiry.

The doctor who treated Shiuna has been removed from the hospital and transferred to Male on the orders of the Health Ministry, according to Ali Shameem, the manager of Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital. The doctor, a Nepalese national, was relieved of duty on Thursday morning.