Delayed Treatment, Missed Diagnosis: Family Alleges Neglect in Tragic Death of 8-Month-Old at IGMH
The family of an eight-month-old boy who passed away last Friday is calling for accountability from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), alleging negligence in his care that may have cost him his life.
Yunus Hussain Abdullah, from GDh. Thinadhoo, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing persistent vomiting and inconsolable crying. Despite repeated visits, his condition continued to worsen—leaving his loved ones devastated and demanding answers.
Initial Visits Raised Red Flags, Family Says
According to his sister, Yunal Hussain, the family first brought baby Yunus to IGMH with hopes of receiving urgent care. After two separate visits, the young child was discharged with medication. However, the family saw no signs of improvement and admitted him to the hospital on June 20.
Once hospitalized, Yunus developed visible swelling throughout his body. He was treated with intravenous fluids and injections, but the family says they received no clear diagnosis nor saw involvement from a pediatric specialist in the early days of admission.
“It felt like we were being kept in the dark,” Yunal said, recounting how the family pleaded for updates while Yunus’s condition grew more severe by the day.
Delays in Diagnosis and Specialist Care
The situation worsened when a medical officer informed the family that Yunus’s liver enzyme levels were alarmingly high. Despite this revelation, critical scans and assessments were reportedly postponed due to the weekend, leaving the infant without proper intervention.
It wasn’t until Thursday—days after his admission—that a pediatric specialist was brought in to examine him, following repeated complaints by the family. By then, Yunus’s condition had deteriorated significantly.
Barriers to Emergency Transfer and Oxygen Support
As Yunus’s condition became critical, the family sought overseas treatment. A referral letter from the hospital indicated that he could only travel with an oxygen tank. Tragically, the approval to load the oxygen tank onto a transfer flight came just ten minutes after his death.
Adding to the family’s frustration, they were told that the ICU at IGMH was full. This left no room to transfer Yunus to a critical care unit or to another facility equipped to handle his condition.
Final Hours and Unanswered Questions
Yunus passed away late Friday night after his oxygen levels dropped dramatically. Medical staff attempted CPR, but the resuscitation was stopped at the mother’s request once she saw blood coming from his nose and mouth—a moment described as traumatic and heartbreaking.
The cause of death was listed as liver failure on his death certificate. However, the family says this diagnosis was never clearly communicated to them while he was alive. They are now demanding transparency and accountability from IGMH.
Hospital Launches Internal Investigation
In a brief statement, IGMH confirmed that an internal investigation is underway regarding the circumstances surrounding Yunus’s death. No further information has been disclosed at this time.
The tragedy has reignited public concern over the quality and timeliness of pediatric care in the country’s main referral hospital. For the grieving family of Yunus Hussain Abdullah, the pain is compounded by a sense that more could—and should—have been done.