In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, a 14-year-old Maldivian boy lost his life on Saturday after President Mohammed Muizzu reportedly denied approval for the use of an Indian Dornier aircraft, which could have potentially saved him, as reported by local media.
The teenager, battling a combination of a brain tumor and a stroke, urgently required an air ambulance to transport him from the remote island of Wilmington in Gaaf Alif Villingili to the capital city of Male for advanced medical care. The Dornier aircraft, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and provided by India, has been extensively used in the island nation for humanitarian purposes.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday night when the boy suffered a stroke, prompting his family to request an aerial transfer to the capital. However, their distress calls allegedly went unanswered until Thursday morning, causing a delay of 16 crucial hours. The delay sparked protests near the hospital in Gaaf Alif Villingili, with the community expressing their anger over the situation.
The grieving father, speaking to local media outlet Adhahu, lamented the lack of a prompt response, stating, “We called Island Aviation to get him to Male immediately after the stroke, but they did not answer our calls. They answered the phone at 8:30 am on Thursday. The solution is to have an air ambulance for such cases.”
Despite the subsequent transfer to Male, the boy’s health rapidly deteriorated, and upon arrival, he was immediately admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Aasandha Company Limited, responsible for medical evacuations, issued a statement expressing regret for the unfortunate passing of the patient involved in the emergency medical evacuation incident. They acknowledged initiating the evacuation process promptly upon receiving the request but cited a last-minute “technical glitch” that led to a delay.
Local Maldivian media reported protests outside the hospital where the child passed away. The incident has prompted strong reactions from Maldivian political figures, with some blaming President Muizzu for his alleged refusal to deploy the Dornier.
The incident has added fuel to the existing diplomatic tension between India and the Maldives, escalating in recent months. President Muizzu’s assumed office in November signaled a shift in foreign policy, with indications of closer ties with China and a departure from the previous “India first” approach. The strained relations were further exacerbated by a tweet from a Maldives minister accusing India of targeting the nation and facing challenges in competing with Maldives in beach tourism.
As the tragic incident unfolds, it raises questions about the impact of geopolitical tensions on crucial humanitarian endeavors and the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions that prioritize human lives over political differences.
Sources By Agencies
