Audio By Carbonatix
Senegal President Macky Sall has sacked his Health Minister, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, after 11 babies were killed by a fire in a hospital on Wednesday.
Mr Sarr will be replaced by Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye, the Ministry's Director-General, following the tragedy in Tivaouane city.
The blaze, which rapidly engulfed the newborn unit at the Tivaouane hospital, is being blamed on an electrical short circuit.
President Sall declared three days of national mourning. He also ordered an investigation into the tragedy.
He is expected to visit Tivaouane on Saturday to meet the babies' relatives.
Many observers say that Senegal's health system is beset by staffing, infrastructure, equipment and funding problems.
A series of other deaths also have raised concerns about maternal and infant health in the West African nation known for having some of the best hospitals in the region.
Latest Stories
-
Here’s why ECG’s ‘cosmetic revenue feat’ masks deep leadership and governance failures
2 minutes -
Salaga South MP takes Ghana’s child rights agenda to global CRC session in Geneva
9 minutes -
Cedi claws back some gains, but demand pressures set to resume
17 minutes -
Renewal of Foreign Exchange Trading Licenses contingent upon sustained compliance, regulatory requirements  – BoG to banks
30 minutes -
Black Princesses receive owed per diems for Tunisia World Cup doubleheader
43 minutes -
Gov’t plans GH¢10bn domestic infrastructure bond to fund roads, boost economic recovery
47 minutes -
Daddy Lumba estate battle deepens as Akosua Serwaah heads to Court of Appeal
52 minutes -
Bond market: Liquidity remains modest, turnover increases by 0.35% to GH¢1.59bn
58 minutes -
Bawku conflict:Â Court orders AG to justify continued detention of Seidu Abagre
1 hour -
Boakyewaa Glover: To be witnessed
1 hour -
Daily Insight for CEOs: The CEO’s role in driving leadership accountability early in the year
1 hour -
Bawumia campaigned for NPP in Adenta – Akosua Manu hits back at Kennedy Agyapong
1 hour -
Government’s reset agenda will take time to materialise – Ho Central MP
1 hour -
Police seize over 1,600 parcels of suspected narcotic drugs in major bust
1 hour -
Miguel Ribeiro Fiifi Brandful
1 hour