Report: Boy Dies On The Indian Plane After Maldives President Denies Approval

A 14-year-old Maldivian boy passed away amid allegations that permission for the use of an Indian Dornier aircraft, potentially crucial for his treatment, was denied by President Mohammed Muizzu, on Saturday

The Dornier aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and provided by India, has been frequently utilized in the island nation for humanitarian purposes.

The teenager, grappling with a combination of a brain tumor and a stroke, witnessed his family desperately seeking an air ambulance to transport him from the remote island of Wilmington in Gaaf Alif Villingili to the Maldives' capital, Male, where advanced medical care awaited, according to the report.

The unfolding tragedy commenced on Wednesday night when the child experienced a stroke, leading his family to request an aerial transfer to the capital. However, their distress calls remained unanswered until Thursday morning, when the country's aviation authorities eventually responded.

The reported delay of 16 crucial hours prompted protests near the hospital in Gaaf Alif Villingili, with the community expressing their anger over the situation.

The grief-stricken father, speaking to local media outlet Adhahu, expressed his frustration with the lack of a prompt response, stating, "We called Island Aviation to get him to Male immediately after the stroke, but our calls were not answered. They answered the phone at 8:30 am on Thursday. The solution is to have an air ambulance for such cases."

The subsequent transfer to Male, while completed, was marred by the child's rapidly deteriorating health. Upon arrival, the boy was promptly admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Aasandha Company Limited, the company responsible for medical evacuations, released a statement indicating that the evacuation process had been initiated promptly upon receiving the request. However, they cited a last-minute "technical glitch," resulting in a delay. The statement was published on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"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," read the statement released by the company.

Local Maldivian media reported protests outside the hospital where the child died. Meawhile, Maldives MP Meekail Naseem tweeted on X where he wrote, "People shouldn't have to pay with their lives to satisfy the President's animosity towards India."

The incident occurs against the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between India and Maldives. The diplomatic tension between India and the Maldives has escalated in recent months, especially after assuming office in November last year by President Mohamed Muizzu.

A shift in foreign policy, signaling closer ties with China and a departure from the previous "India first" approach, has been indicated by the new president.

Bilateral ties between the two countries experienced another setback when a tweet by a Maldives minister accused India of targeting the nation and claimed that challenges in competing with Maldives in beach tourism are faced by India.