Algeria investigates hospital deaths of 13 babies

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ALGIERS - Thirteen premature babies have died in an Algerian hospital over the last 45 days, the Health Ministry said on Sunday, and an investigation is under way to determine whether negligence was to blame.

Daily newspaper El Watan said the babies died from blood poisoning directly linked to their transfer from one ward to another at Djelfa hospital, 200 km (125 miles) south of the capital Algiers.

"As soon as we got the information we set up an investigative commission," Health Ministry spokesman Slim Belkassem said.

"Only the commission can determine the date, causes and conditions under which the babies died. We exclude nothing."

Members of the state hospital's medical council were quoted by El Watan as saying the premises had not been properly disinfected.

"The babies were transferred like mere sacks of potatoes without taking the necessary precautions," El Watan quoted officials as saying.

The north African country's healthcare sector was criticised last year for its slow reaction to various epidemics. It has suffered in recent years from mismanagement and lack of investment.