The strained relationship between India and Maldives appears to have led to a tragedy in Maldives as a teenager in the country, who had a brain tumour and suffered a stroke, was not promptly airlifted for treatment from his home in Gaaf Alif Villingili to Male, the capital city, as authorities were hesitant to use aircraft from India for the purpose.
According to media reports, President Mohammed Muizzu failed to grant approval for the use of India's Dornier aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for evacuating the boy, leading to a delay in providing advanced medical care which may have saved the life of the 14-year-old.
The teenager had suffered the stroke on Wednesday night and the family requested that the boy be airlifted to Male for treatment. However, the aviation authorities waited till Thursday morning to respond to the request. The family claimed that the delay of 16 hours in transferring the boy for better treatment led to his demise.
"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," local media quoted the boy's father as saying.
Meanwhile, Aasandha Company Limited, which arranged the airlift of the boy said they began the process to evacuate the boy soon after they received the request. The company said a "technical glitch" had led to a delay.
"It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the unfortunate passing of the patient involved in the emergency medical evacuation incident from GA Vilingili on January 18, 2024. The entire management and staff of Aasandha Company extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, seeking solace in Allah (SWT) for the departed's eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus," a statement from the company said.
