ABHA, 24 April — The health authorities in Abha are investigating the death of a newborn baby at the Abha Maternity and Children’s Hospital here. Doctors and paramedics connected with the case have been ordered not to travel out of the Kingdom until the investigations are over.
The male baby was born to Saleh Al-Mahadi, a Saudi, 15 years after his marriage. Al-Mahadi said the baby died immediately after birth and his wife’s physical and mental health deteriorated. She developed thrombosis in the lungs which was attributed to negligence by doctors who carried out a cesarean section to deliver the baby. His wife’s legs were also damaged.
He suspected the aesthetician of administering incorrect levels of anesthetic, resulting in complications after the delivery. In a complaint to the authorities, Al-Mahadi claimed that he and his wife were victims of negligence by the hospital staff and called for justice.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Shareef, director general of health affairs in Asir, said a committee has been set up to look into the complaint.
