Health Ministry yet to share crucial reports on Mishka’s death with HRCM

Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) states Health Ministry has yet to share either initial review report or the final investigative report on the death of a 10-year-old girl who became Maldives’ youngest COVID-19 victim earlier this June.

Fathimath Mishka Mohamed, 10, Laajahaage, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, was declared dead at IGMH in Male’ at 12:10 am on June 2. Health Ministry released the report of its initial review on June 4, uncovering the ambulance was dispatched nearly three hours after Mishka’s condition was reported as an emergency. Health Minister Ahmed Naseem stated at the time that the final investigative report on Mishka’s death remained pending.

Though Health Ministry confirmed it concluded work on the investigative report last week, the findings have yet to be released.

In an appearance on RaajjeTV’s Fala Suruhee show last Saturday, HRCM member Moomina Waheed said the commission made a formal written request for the preliminary review report with the Health Ministry, and that Minister Naseem himself provided assurance the report will be supplied to the commission during a parliamentary committee meeting.

“But we have yet to receive a report from Health Ministry,” said Moomina.

Moomina said that IGMH shared its own review report with HRCM on June 13, but the commission requires additional information from the hospital which the have yet to receive.

She said that HRCM has made a written request to the hospital to expedite the information.

HRCM also clarified whether the police were investigating the case, and when it became clear they weren’t, made a request with the police to investigate the case on June 14.

Moomina said the delay in receiving information from State institutions is causing a delay in HRCM’s investigation into the death.

She said that receiving the report will ensure the HRCM is able to conclude its work faster, and make its recommendations if human rights were found to have been violated.

“What I can say at this point is we have yet to receive one of the most crucial reports we need in this case. I also want to note we have yet to receive additional information we requested from IGMH,” she said.

Health Minister himself has admitted to negligence of health officials in the death of the young girl. And though he has promised action against those responsible, it is unclear if any action has been taken in the case.