"No compress was left inside the woman's stomach": The Director of the Thiès Regional Hospital responds to the accusations

A video that has gone viral on social media implicates staff at the El Hadji Amadou Sakhir Ndièguène Regional Hospital in Thiès. In the video, a woman accuses hospital employees of being responsible for the death of her cousin, who allegedly succumbed to complications following a cesarean section. In response to these accusations, the hospital director, Mariama Cissokho, categorically denied the allegations and announced that a complaint would be filed as early as next Monday.

According to the woman who filmed the video, her cousin, originally from Darou Khoudoss in the Tivaouane department, went to the maternity ward of the Thiès regional hospital to give birth. After undergoing a cesarean section, she reports that the patient began experiencing severe pain. However, according to her relative's account, the healthcare workers she consulted dismissed her complaints.

The woman claims that her cousin then went to Louga, where she was admitted to the hospital for tests. According to her statements, an ultrasound revealed the presence of a foreign body in the patient's uterus, which she identifies as cotton left behind during the first surgical procedure.

She maintains that the patient underwent a second operation to remove the object, which she says damaged her uterus and other organs. The woman claims that her cousin ultimately died as a result of these complications, which she blames on the staff of the Thiès Regional Hospital.

Mariama Cissokho announces a complaint

In response to these accusations, the director of the Thiès regional hospital firmly denied this version of events. Speaking on the sidelines of a hike organized by the National Movement of Midwives of the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Senegal (CSA), Mariama Cissokho asserted that the patient had received adequate care.

“We are obliged to provide clarification regarding certain allegations. Like everyone else, I have been sent this video several times. It surprised me because this case is very transparent. The woman in question was very well taken care of by the staff,” she said.

The director states that she contacted the director of the Louga regional hospital to inquire about the situation. She also indicates that she spoke with the surgeon who performed the operation.

"No compresses were left inside the woman's stomach. No objects were left inside this woman's stomach. These accusations are false," she maintained.

Mariama Cissokho then announced legal action against the woman who made the video. "Starting next Monday, we will file a complaint against this woman who made the video. We want this matter to be clarified," she stated.

The director stated her intention to defend the image of the facility and its staff, whom she believes are regularly subjected to unfounded accusations. She highlighted the efforts made by healthcare workers to ensure patient care, day and night.

Screening and vaccination against women's cancers

Alongside this hike, Mariama Cissokho also launched an appeal for the prevention of breast and cervical cancer. She encouraged women to get screened early to promote the rapid detection of these diseases.

She also encouraged the vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for the majority of cervical cancers.

The director finally called on health actors to intensify awareness campaigns to break the taboos surrounding these diseases and strengthen prevention.

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