IGMH has issued an apology to the family of an eight‑month‑old boy who died in late July, after his parents, who had been trying to have a child for more than 20 years, finally welcomed a son.
The child, Yunus Hussain Abdullah, died on July 28. In the aftermath, the family publicly accused IGMH of negligence and delays in his care.
At the time, the hospital told Sun it was investigating the case. IGMH has since completed its review and shared its findings with the family in a three‑page letter sent on Wednesday. Sun has obtained a copy of the letter.
In the letter, IGMH apologized for Yunus’ death while under the hospital’s care.
The family had raised several concerns, including that they were not promptly informed about Yunus’ condition and that laboratory results were not shared in a timely manner. The letter, signed by IGMH Medical Director Dr. Aiminath Zaiba Ahmed, acknowledged that test results and treatment updates should be communicated to patients and families as soon as possible, and noted that communication practices “could be improved.”
Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) successfully completes the first peritoneal dialysis chest catheter insertion surgery. (Photo/Ibrahim Abdul Razzaq Haleem)
The family’s most serious allegation was that the hospital failed to recognize the severity of Yunus’ illness early enough. IGMH said the child initially presented with symptoms resembling a common viral fever, making it difficult for doctors to immediately identify the seriousness of the condition.
“Usually, some viral infections normalize after elevation of liver enzymes. However, we believe that further testing and treatment should be expedited based on the patient’s additional signs or symptoms,” the letter stated.
The hospital also noted that scans for admitted patients should not be delayed due to public holidays. According to the family, they requested a scan on June 24 and 25, but it had still not been conducted by the time Yunus passed away.
IGMH laboratory. (Photo/IGMH)
As Yunus’ condition worsened from June 25 onward, the family attempted to take him abroad for treatment. They said they requested an oxygen tank for the earliest Maldivian flight, but it was arranged only 10 minutes after Yunus died.
IGMH said that once a patient is referred abroad, travel arrangements are handled by Aasandha or NSPA in coordination with airlines and other government agencies. However, the hospital acknowledged that the family required more guidance and support during the process.
The letter said IGMH would work with relevant government agencies to ease the burden on families facing similar situations, and reiterated the hospital’s commitment to providing safe and comprehensive healthcare.
“The hospital once again apologizes for the death of Yunus Hussain Abdullah,” the letter concluded.
Similar tragedies have occurred in the past, with IGMH repeatedly facing allegations of negligence.