Shortage of escort officers identified as primary cause for delays in prisoner healthcare: HRCM
17 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 08:33HRCM has identified a shortage of escort officers as the primary reason for delayed medical treatment for prison inmates, accounting for 63.2% of related complaints filed as of July this year. The Commission further noted that difficulties in accessing specialists and various administrative errors continue to pose significant obstacles to ensuring timely healthcare for detainees.
According to statistics, the shortage of officers available to escort inmates to hospitals remains the primary reason for medical treatment delays every year. | RaajjeMV
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has revealed that the primary reason for delays in providing medical treatment to prison inmates is a shortage of custodial officers available to escort them to hospitals.
According to data shared with the media by the HRCM, statistics on delays in providing medical care to individuals under the custody of the Maldives Correctional Service reveal that a shortage of escort officers remains the leading cause of such delays every year.
According to statistics, from the beginning of 2024 through July 31, a significant majority of delays in treatment were attributed to the absence of relevant officers. The Commission noted that such cases accounted for 63.2 percent of all issues reported by the end of July this year.
The second most common cause identified for delays in medical treatment is the difficulty and prolonged waiting periods in securing appointments with specialist doctors.
Furthermore, the HRCM noted that cases of delayed medical treatment due to administrative errors are increasing year after year.
The HRCM has highlighted that the lack of adequate medical services at Maafushi Prison, coupled with insufficient space to accommodate inmates brought to Male' for consultations, are key factors contributing to delays in providing necessary medical treatment.
The HRCM has stated that the Maldives Correctional Service must take necessary measures to resolve the ongoing challenges in providing medical care to prison inmates.
