Man who sustained fractures to both knees after falling from a height, unable to secure transport to Male' via air ambulance, after authorities reportedly deemed his situation "not a medical emergency"
Aasandha has declined to provide air ambulance services for a patient who suffered two broken knees after falling from a height, citing that the case does not meet the criteria for a medical emergency. While the national health insurance provider maintains that emergency transport is reserved exclusively for cases requiring immediate life-saving intervention as recommended by doctors, the patient’s family has expressed deep concern over the decision, noting that the individual remains bedridden and unable to move.
HA. Dhidhdhoo Atoll Hospital. | Social Media
A patient left bedridden with two broken knees has faced significant hardships after being unable to access air ambulance services.
After falling from a height, the patient failed to receive necessary medical treatment in both HA. Dhidhdhoo and Kulhudhuffushi. Despite a request submitted to Aasandha for an emergency transfer to Male', the agency reportedly stated that an air ambulance could not be arranged.
Aasandha informed the patient that an air ambulance could not be arranged as the situation was not deemed an emergency. However, the patient's family stated that the individual is in critical condition and currently bedridden.
Regarding this matter, Aasandha stated during an appearance on RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" program that air ambulance services will be available for emergency referral cases. Aasandha further clarified that these services are provided in situations where immediate medical intervention is required, following a formal recommendation from a physician.
Air ambulance services will be provided exclusively for emergency referral cases. This service is activated upon a doctor's recommendation in situations requiring immediate, life-saving medical intervention.An official from Aasandha
The patient had been admitted to the Dhidhdhoo hospital since Sunday. Reports indicate that the patient remained hospitalized in Dhidhdhoo, receiving only pain-relief injections, after both Dhidhdhoo and Kulhudhuffushi facilities stated they were unable to provide the necessary treatment.
Reports indicate that the patient will be unable to reach Male' before Friday, leaving the family in a state of deep distress.
Despite Aasandha’s assurances that air ambulance services are available for emergencies, the public continues to highlight significant challenges in accessing the service during critical situations. Many argue that these persistent difficulties underscore the urgent need for further measures to strengthen the Maldives' healthcare system.
