Mishka's family seeking legal counsel, yet to appoint a lawyer
Mishka's family is seeking legal counsel in the matter
Fathimath Mishka Mohamed was the youngest Covid-19 victim in Maldives
The family of Fathmath Mishka Mohamed has confirmed that they have yet to appoint a lawyer or any sort of legal representation in the negligence case of her death.
While the family revealed they are currently seeking legal counsel on the matter, reports surfaced that the family is preparing to forward the case for charges after appointing an attorney.
The family, however, revealed that they are yet to appoint a lawyer or legal representation of any sort. The family has clarified this at a time there have been reports that the family has already appointed a lawyer for the case. The family refuted these claims, urging the public to refrain from spreading false information as this is a difficult time for the family.
This comes at a time criminal charges have been sought against those found negligent in the case.
RaajjeMV understands that a private party filed the case at the Maldives Police Service through a letter, a copy of which the station has attained.
The letter reads that the Incident Commander and Overall Operations In-Charge of the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC), Deputy Director General Ibrahim Nishan Ahmed had “deliberately” failed to uphold the duties vested upon him by the state and similar such cases of negligence had been observed, especially the case of Mishka’s death, reported in the early hours of June 2.
With this being said, the individual who addressed the letter wrote that criminal charges must be pressed against him as this is a serious criminal offense as stated in the Penal Code of Maldives.
The letter reads that Nishan in his official capacity is trusted with the important duty of ensuring swift healthcare services for those in the high-risk category.
Spokesperson for the President’s Office, Mabrook Aziz has since revealed that those found negligent in the case must be brought before justice.
Mabrook revealed that thus far, the authorities have reviewed negligence in the case and publicized their findings. The health ministry will then be required to make changes to reform the institutions within which concerns build and determine the cause of delays.
The spokesperson also noted that action will only be taken against those found negligent, after discussions are held with those running HEOC clusters.
A review report compiled by the Ministry of Health on the death of Mishka reveals gross negligence by health emergency responders. The report was publicized on June 4 and highlighted that the victim’s family had phoned the Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s helpline several times starting from 9pm on May 31, due to signs of breathing difficulties and other issues. However, a family member had to go to Dharubaaruge where the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) is located, for them to finally be provided assistance.
The ministry reviewed the actions of HEOC’s service centers including the call center, Medical Response Team, Clinical Management and Advisory Team and Emergency Medical Services in responding to the case. As such, the review was made on whether or not these service centers had followed the current guideline in responding to the case.
The ambulance reached at 11:38pm, Mishka was unresponsive. Paramedics immediately provided CPR services and rushed Mishka to Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) by 11:42pm. This was a delay of two hours and 26 minutes.
According to the report, Mishka tested positive for Covid-19 on May 30 after having provided samples on May 28.
Mishka’s death was reported at 12:10am on June 2.
The very next day the Minister of Health, Ahmed Naseem had met with press, where he admitted that relevant authorities were negligent in the delays in providing medical response to the family of the youngest Covid-19 victim in the Maldives, and assured that action will be taken against those found guilty.
