Dr. Nazla: Criminal investigation not recommended in inquiry report of first virus death

Health Protection Agency (HPA) and National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) medical officer Dr. Nazla Rafeeg has said that a criminal investigation was not recommended in the report that reviewed the case of the first COVID-19 patient to pass away from the virus in the Maldives.

The first patient to pass away from the virus was an 83-year old woman. She was awaiting test results for the virus when she passed away. She was a primary contact of a positive case and her resident was also placed under quarantine as she awaited test results.

Dr. Nazla was speaking regarding the report into the review of the case when she stated that a criminal investigation was not recommended due to a lack of negligence by anyone involved. She said that it was recommended to streamline the procedure.

“Work to do so according to the recommendations are now underway.” Said Dr. Nazla.

She added that the Improvement Division of the Health Ministry was reviewing such matters. The division had identified delays in some aspects of the operation. 

Improved procedure regarding such cases would not speed up the process of sample collection from elderly figures if they are identified from contact tracing work, said Dr. Nazla.

“Other than that, the transport of elderly figures to facilities would also be sped up.” Said Dr. Nazla.