GA. Villingili residents protested on the island today, following the death of Shiuna Thaufeeq and her newborn child whom she gave birth to via caesarean section at the GA. Atoll Hospital.
Demonstrators carried a banner that read "is this the level of healthcare those in the atolls deserve?" in protest of the poor level of healthcare services, which allegedly caused the death of Shiuna and her baby.
During the protest, Shiuna's husband shared the details of everything that happened during her last hours.
According to Shifaz, Shiuna and their baby died due to delays in transferring her to Malé after her condition deteriorated following a cesarean section at eight months pregnant. Shiuna died on the runway of Kooddoo Airport, before she could be transported to Malé, and their baby died while in Malé.
Shiuna initially went to the hospital with breathing difficulties on Tuesday night, and died not 24 hours later.
Her husband called to bring specialist paediatricians and to establish a NICU as well as to bring more qualified doctors to improve the quality of the hospital.
"I want this place [hospital] to be improved for the sake of my wife. Paediatricians should be here too. This is not normal. No one knows the pain in my heart and the tears I cry," Shiuna's husband said.
He said he did not want anyone else to experience what happened to his wife and child. Shiuna's husband also called on the government to investigate the case and prosecute those who were negligent.
"Tragic incidents have happened in the hospital in Villingili during various governments. In every government, they give us hope. The GA. Atoll Hospital's current situation should be changed. Yesterday's incident should not be repeated," a protester said.
Following the news of Shiuna's death, the Health Ministry said in a post on social media that they were concerned and saddened by the tragic incident, and promised a detailed review of events that transpired. Action will also be taken, the statement said.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan had also ordered police to conduct a criminal investigation into the incident.
Shiuna's best friend previously told Mihaaru that after Shiuna got admitted, her condition reportedly deteriorated and the resident gynaecologist decided to perform a c-section to deliver the baby. With no paediatrician in the island, they had to wait on the doctor to come from Gaafu Dhaalu atoll Thinadhoo's Regional Hospital.
"The whole time they said the plane was on its way, that Aasandha was arranged. [Kept saying] the flight was coming, the flight was coming. They said that from the time, from 4 pm onwards," the friend said.
Mihaaru News reported that Shiuna was originally due to be flown to Malé at 07:00 pm, but that the flight was cancelled after they were told her condition was stable. However, her condition continued to deteriorate and the air ambulance had to be flown to the island.
A similar incident occurred at the hospital previously as well. A 13 year old boy died on 20th January 2024 due to delays in being transported to Malé as well.