The minister announced the opening of an investigation by a specialized team to clarify what happened to at least a dozen newborns in July, although the news only came to light this August.

Local media reported the deaths of 18 newborns due to a lack of medical supplies, which led to the reuse of nasal cannulas, which allegedly caused an outbreak of the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria.

The hospital administration denied that 18 deaths occurred, but confirmed 12 newborn deaths “due to multifactorial causes” primarily related to complications arising from premature or very premature births. Of that total, two deaths could be linked to the aforementioned bacteria, the institution stated in a statement.

Minister Martin pointed out that among the measures adopted is providing psychological care to the parents of the two who died from the bacteria.

The severity of the case has alarmed the Legislature, and the National Assembly’s (Parliament) Commission for the Comprehensive Protection of Children and Adolescents has summoned the Minister of Health; the Attorney General, Wilson Toainga; and the now former hospital manager, Hugo Hernandez, for Tuesday, August 12.

Assemblywoman Viviana Veloz, president of the legislative commission, described the incident as “outrageous” and considered it an “unbearable tragedy.”

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