Residents of Villingili island of Gaaf Alif atoll have taken to the streets, demanding justice after both a mother and her child tragically died. The woman’s condition worsened following a cesarean section performed at the island’s hospital and efforts to transfer her to the capital Malé City for emergency care, were unsuccessful.
The protest began near the Gaaf Alif Atoll Hospital in Villingili at 4:30pm on Saturday.
Throngs of people from the island gathered at the streets to voice their concerns. The protest saw the island residents marching through the streets with banners and posters expressing their concerns.
Dressed in black to express profound sorrow, the protesters mainly called for a swift investigation into the deaths of the mother and her child who died due to negligence, to seek justice, and to expedite Aasandha services.
In addition to this, the protesters called to enhance the island's healthcare system, to bring in good doctors, to expedite the new Gaaf Alif Atoll Hospital project, and to establish an NICU at the hospital.
Further, the sentiments of the protesters were written across boards, including slogans such as 'Condemn Shiuna's death', 'Expedite the investigation into Shiuna's death', 'People's lives are more important than Maldivian profits', 'Where is the children's NICU?', 'Trust in the island hospital will only be restored by reviewing everything on the island and making major improvements'.
35-year-old Shiuna was taken to Villingili Hospital on Tuesday night due to breathing difficulties. After her condition worsened, a cesarean section was performed to deliver her baby at eight months on Wednesday evening, according to the information received.
Even after the cesarean section and the delivery of the baby, Shiuna's condition did not improve. As efforts were being made to transfer her to the capital Malé City following advice from the doctor, Shiuna passed away at midnight at Kooddoo Airport. The baby reportedly died on the seaplane while being transferred to Malé City.
Villingili Hospital has revealed that the Ministry of Health has begun investigating the case of the tragic deaths of Shiuna and her child.
