Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has stated an inquiry has been launched on an incident where a COVID-19 patient was denied entry to Villingili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Spokesperson of HEOC Dr. Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said the centre is conducting an inquiry into an incident in which an elderly COVID-19 patient from Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll was denied entry to Villingili, where a designated medical facility has been established for COVID-19 cases. She said HEOC is preparing a report on the incident in order to identify those responsible for the incident and take action accordingly.
Dr. Nazla noted the COVID-19 facilities established in the atolls have been designed in accordance to international standards to ensure the risk of transmission is low. In this regard, she said patients transferred to the facility will be undergoing treatment in complete isolation from others.
The spokesperson further noted the denying entry for a COVID-19 patient will lead to both physical and psychological damages to the patient and family. She said such acts of discrimination cannot be tolerated in a public health emergency.
The government has established COVID-19 medical facilities in 5 regions across the atolls, in addition to the Greater Male’ Region.