Mother and child die after tragic delay in treatment both inside air ambulance and at hospital

Shiuna Thaufeeq ofZamaaneevilaa, Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll, was preparing to give birth to her third child, with her family members eagerly anticipating the new arrival. Tragically, their joy turned into sorrow when both Shiuna and her premature baby passed away, casting darkness over the entire family.

Shiuna's brother, Ahmed Sunil Thaufeeq provided a detailed account of how the tragic incident unfolded.

According to Sunil, Shiuna was taken to Villingili Hospital on the night of February 4 after experiencing asthma and difficulty breathing. As Shiuna was eight months pregnant, the family requested the doctors to admit her for treatment. However, after examinations by the internal medicine doctor, he said no major issues were identified and discharged Shiuna without providing adequate treatment. The doctor had not even informed the gynecologist despite her pregnancy.

Treatment for Shiuna only began when she collapsed at the hospital, unable to breathe.

As her condition worsened, a doctor arrived from Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll and on Wednesday evening, a cesarean section was performed to deliver the baby. However, the hospital lacked the necessary treatment for the baby, and from that point on, the family kept requesting to send them to the capital Malé City as soon as possible.

However, there were delays in arranging Aasandha services; the universal health insurance scheme of Maldives. As it became increasingly difficult to find a way to depart quickly, the family made several attempts and eventually learned that a Maldivian flight would be chartered on Wednesday night. Efforts were made to send the mother and child, and they were taken to Kooddoo on Wednesday night with healthcare workers. However, it was not an air ambulance, and there were no arrangements to provide treatment for the patient on board.

Both Shiuna and her baby died when the oxygen supply ran out on the runway. Sunil also revealed that this information was kept from the family.

Shiuna leaves behind two young daughters, both under 18. The sudden loss of their mother has left the children in a state of shock.

In addition to this, the people of Villingili have been demanding justice, claiming this to be a serious case of negligence.

RaajjeMV was unable to obtain a statement from Villingili Hospital regarding the tragic incident at the time of publishing. However, the health ministry has acknowledged the issue and stated that they are investigating the matters that require further probes.