After a pregnant woman and her unborn child allegedly died as a result of a failed Caesarean section, three health workers in Senegal were detained.
A gynecologist, an anesthetist, and a nurse were all being questioned about possible malpractice, according to a health union representative.
According to Senegalese media, the heavily pregnant woman passed away from severe blood loss. Due to injuries incurred during the procedure, her baby passed away.
The Senegalese Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ASGO) criticised the arrests and defended the medical personnel.
According to reports, the team made “the right decision” for the mother and her unborn child. President Macky Sall cited Senegal’s outdated healthcare system as justification for a national review of newborn services last year.
The underfunded healthcare system in Senegal faces a staffing, inventory, and medication shortage. According to 2017 data from the UN Children’s Fund, the country in West Africa has a maternal mortality rate of roughly 315 deaths per 100,000 births, significantly higher than the global average of 211.
Dioura Diallo, whose age was not given and who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, reportedly arrived to the health center on Tuesday evening.
According to reports, she passed away after experiencing severe bleeding and a caesarean section during which the baby was hurt before passing away. The event is similar to one that caused anger earlier this year.
Astou Sokhna, a 30-year-old woman who had sought a caesarean section, passed away while giving birth on April 7 in a hospital in Louga, northern Senegal.
In another case, three midwives were given a six-month suspended prison sentence in May for “failure to aid a person in danger.”
On May 25, a hospital fire in the western hamlet of Tivaouane claimed the lives of 11 newborn infants.
According to local media, three individuals who were held in preventative detention as part of the inquiry were freed on bail in August.