Senegal’s President Macky Sall has fired the health minister following the death of 11 newborn babies who were killed in a hospital fire.
The fire was said to have been caused by an electrical short circuit.
The tragedy which happened on Wednesday, May 25, in the western city of Tivaouane was the latest in a series of hospital deaths that have exposed the weaknesses of the nation’s healthcare system.
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Macky declared three days of national mourning.
He wrote on Twitter: “I have just learned with pain and dismay about the deaths of 11 newborn babies in the fire at the neonatal department of the public hospital.
“To their mothers and their families, I express my deepest sympathy.”
The disaster sparked calls for the resignation of Health Minister Abdoudaye Diouf Sarr.
The presidency said on Thursday evening, May 26, that the health Minister would be replaced by Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye, formerly the director-general of the public health authority.
