The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has requested Maldives Police Service to launch a criminal investigation into the death of Fathmath Mishka Mohamed.
Mishka was in quarantine with her family after testing positive for COVID-19 and was doing well. According to the family, Mishka's condition started deteriorating on May 31, and the family called for an ambulance around 9:00 pm that night. However, the ambulance arrived almost 3 hours later around 11:40 pm. Mishka was not conscious by the time she was finally taken to the hospital. She passed away in IGMH's ER at 12:10 am on June 1, making her the Maldives' youngest COVID-19 victim to date.
HRCM member, Moomina Waheed said the commission inquired from the police whether any criminal investigation was ongoing regarding Mishka's death. The police said no such investigations were ongoing, and HRCM requested the police to investigate the case on June 14, Moomina said.
Moomina noted that while the Health Ministry has conducted an investigation into Mishka's death, HRCM has not received a copy of the report despite having made the request at the ministry. The Health Minister himself had agreed to send a copy of the report to HRCM during a Parliament committee meeting, she said.
Moomina further said a review report prepared by the main government hospital, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) was received by the commission on June 13. However, the report did have some information required by HRCM, and a request was made at IGMH to provide the information at the earliest. HRCM also discussed with the Gender Ministry regarding the provision of psycho-social support to Mishka's family, she disclosed.
HRCM can complete its investigation into Mishka's case only after the relevant information is provided by the relevant authorities, and the commission's findings will be made public, she said.
Fathmath Mishka Mohamed, the Maldives' youngest COVID-19 victim to date.
