Senegal: Health Minister Sacked After Babies Die In Hospital Fire

The Senegal President Macky Sall has sacked his Health Minister, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, after eleven babies were killed by a fire in a hospital on Wednesday. Mr Sarr will be also replaced by Marie Khemesse, the Ministry’s Director General, following the tragedy in the Tivaouane city. The blaze, which also rapidly engulfed the newborn unit at

the Tivaouane hospital, is being blamed on an electrical short circuit. President Macky Sall declared three days of national mourning. He also ordered an investigation into the tragedy. He is also expected to visit Tivaouane on Saturday to meet the babies’ relatives. Many observers say that the Senegal’s health system is beset by staffing,

infrastructure, equipment and funding problems. A series of other deaths have raised concerns about maternal and infant health in the West African nation known for having some of the best hospitals in the region.