Ministries to be questioned as prolonged stays at hospitals without caregivers create difficulties

Main opposition MDP’s North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) has requested to summon to officials from Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and Ministry of Social and Family Development for questioning regarding difficulties arising from admitting patients to government hospitals without a caregiver or guardian.

Kudoo, in a letter to Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, highlighted many difficulties arising from admitting patients to government hospitals without a caregiver or guardian.

In this regard, he detailed that patients admitted to the ER or wards often need support, and in the absence of a caregiver or guardian, nurses or ward attendants must step in to help, such as assisting them with trips to the restroom.

He also noted that the absence of a person to take care of the patient even after being discharged from the hospital leads to such patients remaining in the hospital for longer, which can occupy beds needed for other incoming patients.

Furthermore, Kudoo highlighted that when drug addicts are admitted without a caregiver or guardian, there are instances of conflicts which can sometimes be difficult to bring under control. He also emphasized that, at time, drug addicts admitted to hospitals without a caregiver or guardian illegally abuse drugs in wards or restrooms.

Other issues highlighted by Kudoo in his letter:

• Delays in providing emergency or life-saving care for expats due to absence of health insurance
• Hospital nurses and staff often having to supply patients with food, medication, and personal hygiene items
• Delays in treatment when there is no authorized person to approve the care a patient needs
• Mental health conditions and distress faced by patients due to lack of a caregiver

Kudoo cited these issues as issues that obstruct the provision of services and subject hospital staff to physical violence and mental distress. As such, the lawmaker requested to summon officials from Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology and Ministry of Social and Family Development for questioning regarding these issues.

Notably, there are widespread complaints about delays in service at the Maldives’ main government hospital, IGMH, as well as a shortage of beds for patient admissions.