Ghassan says pres not involved in medical evacuation decisions
Statistics do show that a large percentage of medical evacuations are carried out through Maldivian airline.
Top Stories
-
MP Mauroof released from custody, receiving hospital treatment
-
House floor sinks in Malé during nearby construction work
-
PNF to hold special rally at Artificial Beach on Wednesday
-
MDP MP says Mauroof arrest may breach parliamentary privileges
-
Complaint filed with JSC over judge’s remarks on defence lawyer
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has said that the president's permission is not required to conduct operations related to medical evacuations and that since 2021, the bulk of the medical evacuations have been carried out via Maldivian Airline.
The use of India-donated Dornier aircraft, which was used to transport patients by air, has been discontinued since the arrival of this government.
Responding to the criticism, Defence Minister Ghassan wrote on 'X' on Saturday that from 2021, 93% of medical evacuations has been carried out through the national airline Maldivian.
The minister also said that medical evacuation operations do not require the president's permission.
"The SOP of medical operation does not include informing the President or getting his permission. It is coordinated by the relevant agencies," he said in response to allegations that the transportation of patients in Dornier aircraft was stopped at the behest of President Mohamed Muizzu.
Statistics do show that a large percentage of medical evacuations have been carried out through Maldivian, and the national airline's flight schedule has given priority to patients who need to be airlifted in an emergency, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohammed Amin said on Saturday evening.
