Maldives Police Service has launched a criminal probe into the death of a woman and her newborn baby at GA. Atoll Regional Hospital in GA. Villingili, seeking whether there was any negligence involved in their deaths.
Fathimath Shiuna of Zamaanee Villa in GA. Villingili died in the regional hospital located on the island shortly after giving birth to her third child. The newborn baby did not survive either.
Shiuna’s family has raised allegations of negligence against the hospital, which they say lack necessary facilities.
Home Minister Ali Ihusan, via a post on X on Friday, said the government has instructed the Police to conduct a criminal investigation into the deaths, seeking whether there was any negligence involved and subsequently take action, if required.
Notably, an official from the Health Ministry confirmed to Sun on Thursday that the ministry has been made aware of the incident, and has opened a review into the case.
The official declined to say more.
A source from Villingili who spoke to Sun said that the family believes that Shiuna and her newborn died because of a delay in treatment.
The source said the air ambulance did not have enough oxygen for them, leading to a delay in their transfer out of the hospital for further treatment.
The residents of Vilingili continue to express concern over the case – which is not the first time for the hospital to be hit with allegations of negligence.