China fires hospital officials over deaths of eight babies

CHINA: The president of a prestigious Chinese hospital was among nine who lost their jobs over the deaths of new-born babies that were allegedly covered up, state media reported Tuesday.

The eight babies died in the period from September 5 to 15 from infections acquired at the No. 1 Hospital affiliated with the medical school of Jiaotong University in the northern city of Xian, the Xinhua news agency said.

"Health authorities blamed the accident on the hospital's lax management, inefficient execution of regulations and irresponsible medical staff," Xinhua said of the case, which caused public uproar.

The deaths were reported only "too late", Xinhua said. Earlier reports from the agency had suggested a cover-up had taken place, although it did not elaborate.

The president, who was not identified by name, was fired along with the vice president and seven other officials, Xinhua said.

BEIJING, Tuesday, AFP