The Iraqi cabinet Sunday suspended health minister and Baghdad Governor as part of investigations into a fire that killed 82 on Saturday at local hospital in Capital Baghdad, reports say.
A special Sunday Cabinet session headed by Mustafa Al-Kadhimi suspended Health Minister Hassan Al-Tamimi and Baghdad Governor Muhammad Jaber and referred them for investigations, Middle East Monitor (MEMO) reports citing Al-Kadhimi’s media office.
The session came in the wake of the death of 82 covid patients at Ibn al-Khatib hospital in a fire caused by the explosion of oxygen tanks at the hospital, where coronavirus patients were being treated.
The tragedy also caused injuries to 110 others.
The cabinet also set up an investigation committee headed by Interior Minister Othman Al-Ghanimi, to hold those responsible accountable.
Meanwhile, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights of Iraq, an official body linked to the Iraqi parliament, called on the Prime Minister to sack Al Tamimi and his deputies, MEMO notes.
The country has declared 3 days of national mourning for the victims.
Iraq suspends health minister, Baghdad governor in aftermath of deadly hospital fire
