Infant’s Death Sparks Accusations of Negligence at Gemanafushi Health Centre

A seven-month-old boy has tragically died following treatment at the GA. Gemanafushi Health Centre, with his father accusing the facility of medical negligence. 

The incident has raised concerns over the care provided by the health centre.

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Key events leading to the boy’s death began on 11 April when he was taken to the health centre for a runny nose. Medical staff initially advised nebulisation and intravenous fluids. Three days later, the family returned to the health centre, where the treatment plan was altered, and a test was recommended. The boy’s condition worsened, leading to further visits to the health centre on 15 April.

Despite being treated, the boy continued to cry and show signs of distress. His parents, concerned about his condition, sought further medical assistance, and a doctor was called to attend to him. Shahbadh, the boy’s father, reported that the doctor dismissed their concerns regarding potential gastrointestinal discomfort, despite the parents suspecting that the child had eaten something outside his usual diet.

The doctor proceeded with a nasal irrigation procedure, repeatedly flushing the boy’s nose with IV fluid. During the fifth attempt, blood was expelled from the child’s nostril, and the boy became unresponsive. Despite attempts to revive him with CPR, the boy was transferred to GA. Villingili Hospital for further treatment. On the speedboat journey, his condition worsened, and by the time he arrived at the hospital, he was declared dead after 45 minutes of CPR at IGMH in Malé.

Shahbadh claims the only test conducted was on 15 April, with no results shared by either Villingili or Malé hospitals. In addition, he expressed concerns over the lack of communication regarding his son’s treatment.

Accusing the Gemanafushi Health Centre of negligence, Shahbadh has filed a police report and intends to pursue justice for his son. The Health Ministry has yet to comment on the allegations.