Rescued newborn baby 'doing well', says hospital

Abdul Samad Memorial Hospital in Thinadhoo island has said that the newborn baby ‘thrown away’ in Vaadhoo island of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll right after birth, ‘is doing well’.

The hospital’s assistant director Aminath Abdul Hakeem confirmed to RaajjeMV that both the newborn and mother are being treated there.

They were taken to hospital early Tuesday morning.

Aminath said that procedures state that the infant must be kept under observation for at least 48 hours, and the mother for 24 hours.

Noting that both mother and daughter ‘are doing well,’ Aminath added that they are not being treated for any additional issues.

The hospital will discharge both after the required time under observation.

She added that the mother had not faced any complications during birth, and that the infant had not suffered as well.

RaajjeMV understands that the police have been unable to take the mother into custody, as she is required to be treated at hospital. However, police did not comment on the matter.

Police, along with gender ministry, are investigating the case.

The ministry in a statement further noted that it is working with the newborn’s family and all related institutions “to ensure the infant’s protection”.

While photos of the newborn baby have been circulating online, the gender ministry appealed to all media institutions to refrain from sharing them.

According to the police, the infant was found inside a bathroom, where it appears to have been birthed.

No further details have been disclosed.