Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the death of a mother and her newborn who she gave birth to via caesarean section at Gaafu Alifu atoll Villingili Hospital.
In a post on X, Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan said that he had instructed Maldives Police Service to investigate any criminal negligence and take appropriate legal action in the matter. At the same time, Ministry of Health is also reviewing the case to see if there was any negligence involved.
As investigations continue, the mother, Shiuna Thaufeeq's family says Shiuna and her baby's death was caused due to delayed transfer to Malé City for further treatment. Villingili Hospital had not made any comments regarding the matter.
It was reported that Shiuna was admitted to the hospital during the early hours of Tuesday morning at eight months pregnant due to breathing difficulties. She passed away not 24 hours later. According to the family, Shiuna did not receive proper treatment even until that point.
"She was saying that she was dying, that she had breathing difficulties, that she had chest pain, that she was dying, and that she was having difficulties. The nurses only started [treatment] when she fell onto the bed while saying that," Shiuna's best friend who was there with her said.
After she got admitted, Shiuna's 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.