The tragic death of a six-month-old baby on Gau Island has prompted serious concerns regarding the medical treatment he received at the Qarani Health Centre. The infant’s mother took to social media to express her distress and frustration, alleging that her son suffered from diarrhoea and was taken to the health facility for care, only to find it closed due to water supply issues.
According to her account, the family sought help at the health centre on Monday morning, but due to the facility’s closure, they were unable to receive proper medical attention. The mother stated that the baby’s health deteriorated throughout the day. When they returned to the health centre late that night, she claimed the response was slow, with delays in treatment and complications in administering intravenous fluids.
The family reported that the baby was pronounced dead between 3 AM and 4 AM, with a post-mortem indicating dehydration as the cause of death. The situation has raised alarms about the accessibility and reliability of medical services in the area, particularly in emergencies.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services acknowledged awareness of the mother’s social media post but stated that they would not initiate an investigation until they receive a formal complaint from the family. Efforts are ongoing to reach the family for clarification on whether they intend to file a formal complaint.
This unfortunate incident underscores the critical need for accessible and effective healthcare services, particularly in remote areas, where the consequences of delayed medical attention can be dire. It highlights the importance of community health resources being adequately equipped to handle emergencies, ensuring that families can receive prompt and effective care.
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