Residents of Villingili Protest Over Alleged Negligence at Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital
Photo: adduXfiles Via X
Residents of GA. Villingili staged a protest last evening in response to concerns over alleged medical negligence at Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital.
The demonstration followed the deaths of Shiuna Thaufeeq and her newborn son after a caesarean section at the hospital on Wednesday night.
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GA,Villingili gai dhemainah faruvaa nukurevi niyaavumaa gulhigen rayyithun adu ufulun#HapsNow pic.twitter.com/LjLYmeYCcs— Addu -X- Files (@adduXfiles) February 8, 2025
Protesters, dressed in black, gathered outside the hospital before marching through the streets. Among them were Shiuna’s husband, Shifaz Zahir, and her children.
Shifaz described the sequence of events leading to his wife’s death, alleging that there were delays in providing appropriate medical care. He stated that oxygen was administered for an extended period before a decision was made to transfer her to another facility. The transfer was delayed due to a cancelled flight from GA. Kooddoo to Malé, and he claimed that the air ambulance lacked sufficient oxygen. Shiuna passed away on the runway.
Shifaz called for improvements at the hospital, including the presence of a paediatrician and adequate medical resources. He urged the government to strengthen healthcare services in the island.
Protesters alleged that this was not the first instance of negligence at the hospital. Some claimed that other patients had died due to inadequate treatment and poor medical services.
Government authorities have launched multiple investigations into the deaths. Home Minister Ali Ihusaan confirmed that the police have been directed to conduct a criminal investigation, while the Health Ministry has initiated a separate inquiry.
The doctor who treated Shiuna has been removed from the hospital and transferred to Malé on the orders of the Health Ministry. According to Ali Shameem, the manager of Gaafu Alif Atoll Hospital, the doctor, a Nepalese national, was relieved of duty on Thursday morning.
