The Minister for Health, Dr Agnes Binagwaho, has ordered for a probe into the conduct of three doctors, a nurse and a top administrator at Rwinkwavu Hospital in Kayonza District following the death of an expectant mother at the facility.

Aloysie Nikuze Umulisa, 30, had a cesarean section two weeks ago at the hospital, but bled to death hours later.

The baby, however, was successfully removed from the mother’s womb and is still alive.

The medics and staff at the hospital are alleged to have disregarded the procedure and clinical guidelines during the  operation carried out a week ago.

Dr Fulgence Nyikabahizi, the director of the hospital, confirmed the suspensions, saying in view of the magnitude of the alleged acts‚ the said staff were put on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

Nyiakabahizi said the health ministry took the action based on the seriousness of the claims leveled against the doctors, adding that he believes that their presence at work might have jeopardised the probe into their alleged misconduct.

"It would be unfortunate if the alleged conduct of the doctors points to gross negligence…the doctor who conducted the operation says he observed all clinical rules. Investigations were launched to determine facts before an appropriate action is taken,” he said yesterday.

Celestin Niyonsenga, the husband of the deceased, blamed  the hospital for the death of his loved one, saying it was out of negligence.

"At some point during the operation, power went off. Surprisingly, the generator had no diesel to run it. How can you explain that such a big hospital can’t afford diesel? It is just negligence,” he said.

Medics confirmed that electricity did indeed go off during the caesarean operation, but said it was not the cause of the death of the mother.

Rwinkwavu serves a population of over 200,000 people and has a maternity ward with capacity to accommodate 40 patients.

The mayor of Kayonza District, John Mugabo, said stakeholders had held an emergence meeting at the hospital to manage the situation.

"We held a meeting with the minister over the issue. She has since received a comprehensive report that she is assessing. We expect a response after she has finished reading it. This is a hospital that treats many of our people and we can’t afford to have negligent hospital staff,” he said.