Medical negligence allegations in elderly woman's death prompts probe

Thaa atoll Veymandoo Health Centre is investigating allegations that a critically ill patient died of medical negligence on Saturday night.

The patient was referred to be sent to Male by the Veymandoo Health Centre and sent to Thimarafushi Health Centre. The critically ill patient died of medical negligence enroute to Male in an air ambulance, according to the allegations made by a family member of the deceased 65-year-old woman.

According to his post, the patient was referred to be taken to Male due to respiratory problems. However, when she was taken to Thimarafushi, the sea ambulance of the island health centre had an empty oxygen cylinder, he alleged.

Hassan Ziyadh, in charge of the Veymandoo Health Centre, told Atoll Times on Sunday:

However, the Veymandoo health centre declined to comment on allegations that the patient died of medical negligence. They say the centre is investigating whether there was any negligence and would only comment on the allegations after the investigation.

"We are investigating what happened in this case. And the relevant reports are being prepared. So it is still difficult to give a direct answer about what happened at this time as it is an ongoing investigation," he said.

A person from Veymandoo who spoke to Atoll Times on condition of anonymity said the woman was sent to Thimarafushi in a sea ambulance. The sea ambulance had two oxygen cylinders, according to him.

Ahmed Naseer, in charge of the health centre in Thimarafushi, denied the allegations that the oxygen cylinders in his sea ambulance was empty.

Naseer told Atoll Times that the patient was brought to the Centre to be sent to Male in an air ambulance.

"They are not true allegations. The ambulance will have oxygen. We have provided all the services required", Naseer explained.

The Health Ministry could not be reached for comment.