First Covid-19 death: report says no negligence, but notes areas "to be improved"

Authorities have determined that there was “no negligence” in the country’s first Covid-19 related death, despite there being delays in completing a number of procedures.

Aminath Adam, 83, passed away on April 30. Her test results came back positive for Covid-19 after her death; she was tested at least two days after being identified as a contact of a confirmed case, despite being elderly and having several other health conditions including sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension and cases of pneumonia reported in 2019.

Dr. Nazla Rafeeq, at Monday night’s Covid-19 press briefing, said that Aminath’s death was investigated by the health ministry’s ‘quality improvement division’ and added that their report does not show negligence from any of the institutions involved.

However, the doctor said that the report notes areas for improvement such as to expedite sample collection from elderly contacts of Covid-19 patients as soon possible whether they show symptoms or not.

She further stated that report does not seek action against any individual or institution, in relation to the case.