The Senegalese public health system has been on strike since Thursday. Indeed, it all started with the death in labour of Astou Sokhna, a young woman nine months pregnant, in a public hospital in Louga, about 200 km north of Dakar. For example, this woman died on 1st April after waiting in vain for a Caesarean section for hours, and her tragic fate plunged the whole country into turmoil. Faced with this tragedy, her family denounced ” carelessness “, and referred the case to the courts.
The prosecution of six midwives
The widespread reactions on social networks and in the press prompted a response at the highest level of the state. The court prosecuted six midwives in this case for “failure to assist a person in danger”. Four of these midwives were placed under detention on Tuesday 19 April and the other two are currently on bail. The defendants will be tried on 27 April, while the director of the hospital where the patient died was removed from his post at the end of a Council of Ministers.
An avoidable death
In addition, Senegalese Health Minister Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr acknowledged on 14 April that Astou Sokhna’s death could have been avoided with more vigilance. His conclusion came after the investigations conducted by the Ministry at the hospital to determine where the responsibility for the tragedy lies. According to him, this situation does not reflect the current image of the health system.
A “Day Without Childbirth”.
In addition, in response to the legal prosecutions of the six midwives, several strikes have been launched. In this regard, the national association of midwives declared a “day without childbirth” with a boycott of maternity hospitals. This movement was immediately supported by a central trade union including doctors.
Faced with this situation, it is the efficiency of the Senegalese public health system that is called into question.
