Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital to bring in surgeon from Haa Alifu Hospital

Naifaru-based Lhavniyani Atoll Hospital, on Tuesday, stated that efforts were underway to bring in a surgeon from HA. Dhidhdhoo to the hospital, subsequent to the only surgeon working in the hospital having fled.

The only surgeon working in Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital, a Cuban man, fled on November 20, after working in the hospital for approximately five months.  His departure without prior notice has resulted in the hospital not having a surgeon.

Sharing the latest information regarding the issue – Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital’s Manager Jaufar Abdulla said that Health Ministry attended the issue on the same day the surgeon fled.

“We cannot give an update on that surgeon at the moment. What is important for us is getting a new surgeon. Efforts in this trajectory are presently underway in collaboration with Health Ministry,” he had said.

Jaufar detailed that the current plan was to bring in one of the two surgeons working in Dhidhdhoo-based Haa Alifu Atoll Hospital to Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital.

However, Jaufar said that he is unable to specify when the surgeon will arrive in Naifaru.

A reliable source told Sun that the doctor fled after taking leave one day. While he has not reported to duty since that day, he has left Naifaru, and is presently in Male’ City.

Residents from Naifaru state that such an incident has never happened on the island previously, whereas they are at a loss as to why the doctor had to flee.

Prior to his departure. Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital had two surgeons. However, one of them, is presently on leave.

A large number of people seek healthcare services at Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital including residents from different islands and resorts situated on the atoll. 

Similar cases of expatriate workers migrating to the Maldives for employment fleeing have surfaced before as well. They include doctors, teachers and laborers.