High Court dismisses USD 5M appeal over alleged removal of uvula

The High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by a man seeking USD 5 million in compensation over the alleged removal of his uvula during a tonsil operation at a hospital in Maldives.

The case stems from a surgery performed in early 2023, after which the Maldivian man claimed his uvula had been negligently amputated. He subsequently filed a civil suit seeking more than MVR 1 million and USD 4 million in damages, amounting to roughly USD 5 million.

Civil Court Judge Abdul Nasir Shafeeg had earlier ruled against the plaintiff, stating that the matter could not proceed as the procedural requirements mandated for medical-negligence claims had not been fulfilled. The plaintiff then attempted to appeal the ruling at the High Court.

However, the High Court rejected the case at the registration stage, deciding not to accept it as an appeal. As the dismissal occurred during registration, the petitioner retains the opportunity to submit a fresh appeal should he choose to do so.