A child has passed away after being denied authorization through NSPA to import a life-sustaining medical tube required for their survival
While STO claimed that NSPA had not authorized the procurement of the tube, NSPA countered by blaming STO for the negligence. The child's mother stated that although IGMH finally received the equipment after state institutional delays caused his condition to deteriorate, it was tragically too late to save his life.
A six-year-old child has passed away after STO Pharmacy failed to procure a life-sustaining medical tube because Aasandha (NSPA) refused to grant the necessary authorization. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
A young child has passed away after being denied authorization by the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) to import a life-sustaining medical tube.
The issue came to light after the child's mother shared their story on social media. In a post by the mother, Aminath Yashfa, she explained that her son, Ibrahim Azaan Suhail, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after experiencing persistent difficulties with swallowing and frequent vomiting. She first shared these details on Facebook in July of last year.
However, on the 16th of this month, Yashfa brought her situation to public attention, sharing her distress over an eight-month delay in obtaining a specialized feeding tube required to deliver food to her intestines. She stated that she had placed an order for two such tubes through STO in August last year. Despite the lapse of eight months, the tubes had not been supplied. Yashfa noted that she had contacted STO to seek alternatives and checked various pharmacies to no avail. In her post on the 16th, she expressed her desperation, explaining that the tube currently in use required immediate replacement and she had run out of options.
He stated that STO Pharmacy contacted him on the 16th, informing him that the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) had not yet authorized the procurement of the feeding tube. Consequently, the order for the tube has still not been placed. He questioned why STO has failed to provide a definitive answer after all this time, asserting that there is no valid reason for NSPA to withhold approval.
This is the child's only means of receiving nourishment.Aminath Yashfa - the child's mother
In her post, Yashfa tagged both STO and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Reports indicate that these catheters are currently unavailable even at the government’s main hospital, IGMH, due to stock depletion. They are also out of stock at other pharmacies. Previously, these catheters were available via prescription at STO pharmacies. However, concerns have been raised by some individuals alleging that the catheters, which can be sourced from India for approximately $100, were later being sold for as much as 13,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa.
However, the child passed away on Wednesday while STO Pharmacy delayed providing the necessary medical tubing because the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) had withheld authorization. On Wednesday morning, the child's mother described the condition as highly critical, stating that there was no longer any hope for survival as the child was breathing their last. The mother, Yashfa, noted that although the IGMH procurement department claimed the tubing had been secured the previous day, it was already too late.
My child is almost gone now. He is breathing his last breaths here at IGMH. Just the other day, IGMH Procurement called to say they finally received the [medicine/equipment]. It is available now. But it is far too late. It is no use calling us once his condition has already become this critical.Aminath Yashfa - The child's mother
It has been revealed that for the past eight months, the child's mother was never informed that the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) had withheld approval, nor that STO Pharmacy had failed to place the order.
The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has placed the blame on the State Trading Organization (STO) regarding this issue. NSPA maintains that all necessary instructions have been communicated to STO and that any delays are originating from STO's side. However, STO contends that the delays are due to NSPA's failure to provide the required authorizations.
To date, however, neither the State Trading Organization (STO) nor the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has issued a statement regarding the matter. No party has been held accountable for the negligence. While a mother pleaded for the delivery of a medical tube, her six-year-old child passed away because the equipment was unavailable. Despite her desperate cries for help, no state institution intervened or provided the necessary assistance.
Azaan's funeral arrangements have been finalized at Aasaharaa. The funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at the Aasaharaa Mosque following the Isha prayer.
