Ministry of Health and Gender has defended Fuvahmulah Hospital following accusations of negligence regarding two pregnant women, and said that investigations have shown that the hospital acted professionally in both cases.
Speaking at a press conference at President’s Office today, Minister of State for Health and Gender Fuad Gasim said, “Investigations carried out thus far have revealed clearly that the cases were handled correctly. Further assessment is required before the cases can be concluded.”
Also present at today’s press conference was Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) doctor Dr Hawwa Hana, who spoke individually about both cases.
Dr Hana referred to the first case wherein doctors made a C-section incision on a pregnant woman but closed her up without removing the baby, and explained that the incision revealed problems that were previously unknown, and the doctor made the right decision by delaying the removal of the baby and calling for additional support to save the lives of the mother and the baby.
Dr Hawwa Hana speaking at the press conference today, Wednesday, 4 June – Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan
Dr Hana referred to the second case where the hospital was accused of negligence following the death of an unborn child, and said that the mother consulted her doctor regularly, but changes were observed in the baby’s growth and its heartbeat dropped suddenly - which can happen in a pregnancy.
Health Ministry has been severely criticised by the Fuvahmulah Council following these two incidents.