Mishka's death: Minister to attend committee with details of actions taken, in July

Minister of Health, Ahmed Naseem has revealed that he will be meeting with the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the People’s Majlis with details of action taken against those found negligent in the case of Fathmath Mishka Mohamed’s death, during July.

A complete report to seek out those found negligent in the case was concluded and publicized on June 20, which detailed that action will be taken against everyone found negligent in the case that lead to the 10-year-old’s death. The report however, did not detail the action to be taken.

Members at the Majlis committee meeting on Monday, questioning Minister Naseem regarding the report, to which the minister responded by assuring that the required action will be taken against those found negligent in the case.

Minister Naseem stated that the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC)’s policies on publishing information was changed against the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

Highlighting that the investigation observed carelessness and recklessness of the HEOC, Minister Naseem assured that efforts are underway to resolve these issues.

Naseem added that the report also observed that no specialists to oversee medical officers were present at the time of the incident and that other issues such as the lack of a platform to check all the required data got in the way of HEOC monitoring the incident properly.

The minister revealed that an audit into the HEOC will be conducted.

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

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.

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