IGMH apologises to family over infant’s death, cites need for improvements

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has apologised to the family of an infant who died after receiving treatment at the hospital, stating that some of the concerns raised by the family require corrective action.

Eight-month-old Younus Hussain Abdulla, of Alamavila/GDh. Thinadhoo, died in late July after being taken to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital with a severe cough.

Following his death, the family submitted allegations of negligence against the hospital. The Health Ministry said at the time that the matter was under investigation. An internal committee at IGMH reviewed the case and met with the family last Wednesday to discuss its findings. A written summary of that meeting was shared by the family on Wednesday.

In a three-page letter signed by IGMH Medical Director Dr Aishath Zaiba Ahmed, the hospital expressed an apology to the family and responded to the concerns raised. While the hospital did not accept all allegations, it said several areas required improvement.

One of the main concerns raised by the family was a delay in recognising the seriousness of the child’s condition. In the letter, the hospital said clinicians initially faced difficulty in identifying the severity of the illness as the symptoms were similar to those of a common viral infection.

The letter stated that some viral infections can also present with elevated liver enzymes, but acknowledged the need for further testing and timely escalation of treatment based on additional clinical signs.

The family also raised concerns that information about the child’s condition, including laboratory test results, was not shared promptly. In response, the hospital said the status of the illness, test results and treatment progress should be communicated to patients or their families as soon as possible.

The letter added that scans for admitted patients should not be delayed due to public holidays, and said the hospital would take steps to address this issue.

The family also reported difficulties in arranging health insurance and travel documents during the holiday period when overseas treatment was considered. The hospital said that, although arrangements are usually made by families with support from Aasandha and the National Social Protection Agency, it recognised the need to provide further guidance and assistance in such situations.

The letter said the hospital would work with relevant government agencies to reduce hardship faced by patients and families in similar cases.

IGMH stated that it remains committed to providing safe healthcare services and reiterated its apology to the family of Younus Hussain Abdulla.

The hospital was not immediately available for further comment.