The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has confirmed that Mohamed Raslaan, the Vice President of the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Central Hulhumalé Constituency, who was admitted following last night’s protest in Malé, is in stable condition after suffering a heart attack — and that his condition is not linked to pepper spray use by police.
In its official statement, IGMH clarified that Raslaan was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) upon arrival and immediately treated by the hospital’s emergency medical team. He is currently receiving care in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) and remains stable under observation.
The hospital explained that while pepper spray can cause brief respiratory discomfort or stress, there is no scientific evidence that it causes heart attacks. Medical experts noted that stress, anxiety, or physical exertion during protests could trigger cardiac symptoms in individuals with underlying health risks.
Despite this, opposition leaders have attempted to label the incident as a consequence of police pepper spray, spreading misinformation to fuel public anger. IGMH’s clear medical clarification directly contradicts these claims, reaffirming that the cause was medical, not external.
“Raslaan is stable and receiving professional care. The public is advised not to be misled by speculation,” the hospital said, stressing its commitment to ethical, evidence-based, and compassionate healthcare.
The statement from IGMH brings clarity and reassurance amid politically charged narratives, reinforcing that police actions were within lawful bounds, and that the patient’s condition stemmed from pre-existing health factors rather than protest-related measures.
