BANGUI, Central African Republic — The abrupt shutdown of the orthopedic trauma surgery department at the primary hospital in the capital has raised alarm among patients and their families. The closure, which took effect on February 3, follows the tragic deaths of two individuals, one of whom was the niece of a government minister. This situation has prompted an investigation by the health ministry into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The unit at Bangui Community University Hospital has been scrutinized by a panel that is not only investigating the recent deaths but also evaluating the hospital’s overall service quality. The challenges faced by the institution have been exacerbated by frequent power outages, a significant issue highlighted by Joseph Bindoum, president of the Central African Republic’s League for Human Rights, which has conducted inquiries into the incident.
Relatives of patients and various activists have criticized the government’s decision, claiming it punishes those who require urgent medical care. During a recent demonstration at the hospital, families voiced their desperation, urging authorities to reopen the surgery unit. This unit is among a limited number of such facilities available in the Central African Republic, which has a population of around six million.
Bindoum expressed that the shutdown infringed upon patients’ right to access necessary healthcare services. He added that the medical staff currently lack adequate resources to provide proper care. For instance, Irène Gassengue has been anxiously watching her son endure a week-long wait in the hospital with severe fractures, even after paying for his surgical procedure. She voiced her frustration, stating that the health minister’s unilateral decision to close the unit is outrageous and detrimental to her son’s health as delays in surgery could worsen his condition.
Among those who tragically passed away was Larissa Yagasso Nguianbga, related to Energy Minister Arthur Bertrand Piri, an associate of President Faustin Archange Touadéra. While no official explanations have been provided for the deaths, an anonymous doctor from the surgery unit reported that Nguianbga’s passing occurred due to power failure leading to equipment malfunctions.
In response to the urgent need for medical interventions, the government has reached out to the French medical charity, Doctors Without Borders, seeking their assistance in treating those requiring immediate care. Health Minister Dr. Pierre Somse indicated that arrangements are in place for potential collaboration.
