State rejects out-of-court settlement in Sadha's case

The state has turned down Civil Court extended period for an out-of-court settlement in the medical negligence case that resulted in the demise of Sadha Saudhulla, a five-year-old Fuvahmulah City girl.

She was taken to Fuvahmulah Hospital on October 3, 2021, with stomach pain and vomiting, after she failed to receive services from the flu clinic.

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) found there was sufficient grounds to believe the doctors and nurses had been negligent in her treatment. The commission also decided that the family has the right to sue for compensation.

Sadha's family subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Health with the Civil Court seeking compensation.

At the Civil Court hearing on Sunday, the lawyer of Sadha's parents said the family is willing to enter negotiations for an out-of-court settlement if the state admits to medical negligence.

The court gave the two sides two days to discuss and reach a conclusion.

After Civil Court extended two-day period for discussion among the parties expired on Wednesday, the state pleaded not guilty to the civil charges and rejected the out-of-court settlement offer.

State sought for a legal remedy through the court instead.

At Sunday's hearing, the family's lawyer, Mariyam Shunana said Sadha's parents wanted to settle because the long court process was delaying justice.

Following the investigation into Sadha's death, HRCM wrote to her father confirming the suspension of the medical licenses of two doctors involved in her care, and added the commission's investigation also found the medical staff treated the young girl without properly checking her medical history.

The commission als found there were delays in treatment, despite the fact her condition required immediate care.