Algerian Govt Faces Public Uproar After Doctor Dies of Coronavirus

Arab World

May 17th, 9:32am

Algiers - Boualem Goumrassa

Emergency doctors exit the Tunisian health ministry after collecting supplies (AFP)

The Algerian government dispatched Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid and Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs Kaoutar Krikou to a hospital in Ras El Oued in Borg Bou Arreridj, east of Algiers, to contain an uproar after the death of doctor Wafa Boudissa of COVID-19. The two ministers arrived 24 hours after the funeral to discuss the incident’s circumstances with the director of the hospital, where the 28-year old nurse used to work. The health minister pledged to open an investigation and act accordingly. Algerian parliamentarian Lakhdar Bin Khalaf called for opening an investigation and holding accountable whoever is responsible, especially that the chief of staff rejected Boudissa's request for early maternity leave as she was pregnant in her 8th month. Bin Khalaf continued that the deceased was infected because she was treating COVID-19 patients, describing her as a martyr in the line of duty. Residents of Ras El Oued and her colleagues were enraged over the ‘neglect’ shown to her condition by the hospital’s administration that refused to grant her an early maternity leave. Uproar mounted when her colleagues published a chat with her as she informed them that she tested positive for COVID-19 and the hospital wouldn’t grant her a leave. For its part, the hospital issued a statement saying that the deceased checked into a hospital on 9 May after showing symptoms of coronavirus. The case was confirmed three days later. She was working at the surgery department upon her request, although the hospital administration suggested that she moves to the maternity department, the statement read. Further, it denied that the late doctor was treating coronavirus patients because another hospital in Borg Bou Arreridj is dedicated to infected coronavirus cases. Therefore, the administration insisted that she didn’t catch the virus at the hospital.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2288501/algerian-govt-faces-public-uproar-after-doctor-dies-coronavirus