National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has announced there was no negligence in the first COVID-19 related death in the country.
NEOC stated the Ministry of Health has investigated the first COVID-19 related death in the country and as per the conclusions, no evidence of negligence was found. The first COVID-19 related death in the Maldives was an 83-year-old woman named Aminath Adam, who died on April 30.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq said any death during medical treatment will be investigated by the Quality Improvement Division at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Nazla, however, attested to claims that certain process during her treatment took longer than usual, noting the sample collection and especially confirmation of her test results took longer. She said recommendations were included based on the investigations.
The government has since taken corrective measures based on the report in prompt collection and analysis of samples from the elderly, in addition to making arrangements for faster transfers to quarantine and isolation facilities. Dr. Nazla assured the public of legal proceedings if a case of negligence is identified in the death of Aminath Adam or any other cases. She said the investigation report did not include any such claims to prove negligence.