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Senegalese medics arrested after death of pregnant woman, baby

Three Senegalese health workers have been arrested after a pregnant woman and her baby died, allegedly because of a botched Caesarean section.

The gynaecologist, anaesthetist and nurse were being questioned over potential negligence, reports BBC News, relating to the death of the heavily pregnant woman after she lost copious amounts of blood, and her baby died from injuries during the surgery.

However, the Senegalese Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians defended the medical team and criticised the arrests as “wrongful”.

In a statement quoted by AFP news agency, it said the team had taken “the appropriate decision” for the woman and her baby.

Last year, President Macky Sall described Senegal’s health system as obsolete and ordered a national review of neonatal services. It followed a national outcry over the death of a woman in labour in a case in which three Senegalese midwives who were involved were found guilty of not assisting someone in danger.

 

BBC News article – Senegal medics arrested over childbirth deaths (Open access)

 

See more from MedicalBrief archives:

 

Senegal Health Minister fired after babies die in blaze

 

6 Senegal midwives charged following pregnant woman’s death

 

Lessons from Africa on how trust can repair a broken health care system

 

 

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