Health Ministry investigating negligence claims

NABLUS- Palestinians protested against the nonfeasance of medical services in public hospitals, which has resulted in more than 10 women dying during delivery in recent months.

Families picketed Wednesday near the wake of the latest victim, 23-year-old Rana Abu Maryam, who died this week during delivery in the northern West Bank district Nablus, as health officials announced an investigation.

Abu Maryam had a cesarean section at a public hospital in Salfit, and following severe bleeding was transferred to Rafedia Hospital in Nablus where she was proclaimed dead two hours later, according to her father Muhammad Abu Maryam.

“My daughter was not the first victim over the past few months, and I hope she will be the last,” Muhammad Abu Maryam said, urging the Ministry of Health to appoint a committee to investigate the case and make serious reforms.

The governor of Nablus, Jibril Bakri, visited the wake where he listened to complaints about negligence.

“The Palestinian Ministry of Health has started procedures to improve conditions in public hospitals, however more effort is needed,” the governor said.

All cases were referred to general prosecution to consider legal action, he added.

Protesters near the wake called on President Mahmoud Abbas to intervene.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions, and wait for the investigation committee, which I will head, to give a final judgment,” said Undersecretary of Health Anan Al-Masri.

He promised to publish the committee’s findings with complete transparency.