Minister of Health, Ahmed Naseem has asked for a week to complete a detailed investigation and report into the death of Fathmath Mishka Mohamed.

The minister made the request from the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the People’s Majlis on Monday.

The minister took part in the first meeting held by the committee in connection to actions required to be taken in connection to the case of negligence. The meeting was also joined by officials of the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and north-Kulhudhuffushi constituency MP Yasir Abdul Latheef.

Health minister Naseem stated that a report that will follow a complete investigation will be more detailed and that they are yet to complete the investigation. He went on to note that some action has already been taken.

Naseem highlighted that the case saw recklessness as such an incident has not been reported in over a year.

The minister also urged the committee to conduct their work after the investigation is completed and sought an additional week to complete the probe.

With this being said Naseem highlighted that the best thing to do would be to wait until the probe concludes, as it includes the personal information of several. Although the authority is on the receiving end of immense public pressure in connection to the case, the minister noted that they wish to complete the investigation, justly.

The minister noted that they are in contact with Mishka’s father, who has urged authorities to plan their actions in a way that does not pave way for similar incidents to repeat. Naseem is to have assured Mishka’s father that they will act accordingly, having noted the father’s patience in connection to the case.

During the meeting, HRCM noted that they received the information through media upon which they immediately began efforts to confirm the matter. The commission highlighted that investigations are still underway, even if the report had been publicized earlier. Further the commission noted that they are yet to be provided the information required from the health ministry, highlighting that they are facing difficulties in obtaining the required information.

Members who joined the committee meeting agreed to grant one week to complete the investigation before commencing their work. As such the members decided that the committee’s work will begin once the investigation is complete, as there are a lot of accusations against several parties.

Mishka, 10 and native to Kulhudhuffushi City, passed away at 12:10am on June 2. The initial review report compiled by the health ministry 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 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.

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.

Since then, her family has confirmed that they have yet to appoint a lawyer or any sort of legal representation in the negligence case.

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 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.

Criminal charges have also been sought against those found negligent in the case, by a private party.

Spokesperson for the President’s Office, Mabrook Aziz has since revealed that those found negligent in the case must be brought before justice.