The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development of Somalia today strongly condemned the tragic incident in which a Somali mother gave birth in front of the Banadir Maternity and Child Hospital, where her newborn baby died after the mother was denied immediate medical care.
An official press release from the ministry said that the act was “unacceptable negligence of duty” and showed a lack of responsibility on the part of health workers.
The ministry pointed out that the Federal Government of Somalia should invest heavily in government hospitals, especially the Banadir Maternity and Child Hospital, to ensure that every Somali mother and child receives efficient, safe health care, reflecting the services the government has intended for the community.
“This tragic incident undermines public trust in government health services, and goes against humanitarian principles and the fundamental rights of citizens,” the press release said.
The Ministry of Family and Human Rights has requested the Ministry of Health to immediately conduct an independent investigation to determine why the mother did not receive the medical care she needed, and to take legal action against anyone involved in this neglect.
The Ministry also called for strengthening the supervision and accountability of health workers, and strengthening awareness and training related to maternal and newborn care, to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Finally, the Ministry called on the Somali people to show patience, and to have confidence that the government will take every legal step to ensure justice.
