Criticism Over Delayed NICU Closure After Infant Deaths from Deadly Bacteria

The Minister of Health in Mauritius, Dr. Kailesh Jagutpal, responded to criticisms about the delay in closing the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at SSRN Hospital after nine infants died of septicemia caused by the deadly Serratia Marcescens bacteria.

The opposition member, Dr. Farhad Aumeer of the Labour Party, questioned why the ministry had not closed the NICU earlier, despite being alerted to the bacteria in April.

The minister clarified that the responsibility to open or close the NICU lies with hospital officials and that new guidelines have been put in place to prevent future outbreaks.

Dr. Jagutpal also announced a total of 80 neonatal deaths in Mauritius, nine of which were caused by the Serratia bacteria.

Source: Defi Media