Ministry probes child’s death linked to medical supply delay

The Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into the death of a six-year-old child following delays in obtaining a required medical consumable.

The ministry stated that the investigation is being conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.

The child, identified as Azaan Suhail, was undergoing treatment for spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. He died after delays in obtaining a replacement PEG tube required for feeding.

The child’s mother had previously stated on social media that an order for the PEG tube was placed through the State Trading Organization (STO) in August last year.

She said that there had been no update for several months. After repeated visits to the STO Hulhumalé Pharmacy, she was informed that the order had been delayed due to the absence of approval from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA).

According to the family, a feeding tube was later obtained through a private party. However, by that time, the child’s condition had declined to a stage where the procedure could not be carried out.

The child’s condition worsened after an extended period without the required replacement, and he died on Wednesday.

The incident has drawn public response, with calls for accountability from both STO and NSPA.

The Ministry of Health stated that it is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case.

NSPA did not respond to requests for comment. STO stated that further information will be provided later.