The Chinese authorities closed Thursday, January 13 two hospitals in the confined city of Xi'an (north) in order to "
rectify
" the application of anti-Covid rules, after the outcry caused by the miscarriage of a deported woman of an establishment.
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This metropolis of 13 million inhabitants, known the world over for its army buried in terracotta, is one of the few cities in China currently affected by small epidemic centers.
The people of Xi'an have been confined to their homes since December 23, a decision taken after the discovery of a few cases of Covid.
A firm measure to cut the chains of transmission with the rest of the country.
The two hospitals must "suspend their activities"
In early January, an eight-month pregnant woman was refused entry to Gaoxin hospital for two hours, on the grounds that her negative Covid test had slightly exceeded the 48-hour validity limit. One photo showed her sitting on a stool surrounded by a pool of blood. The Xi'an Health Service Director issued a public apology. The town hall had previously announced the dismissal of the director of the hospital and the "
officials concerned
".
In another incident, a resident claimed that her father had died of a heart attack after being turned away "
because of the rules linked to the pandemic
".
The two incriminated hospitals have received warnings and must "
suspend their activities for three months for rectification
," municipal health services said in a statement on Thursday.
They will only be allowed to reopen after obtaining authorization.
The two hospitals "failed in their duty"
The two establishments "
failed in their duty to save lives and help the wounded
," said the press release.
“
This has resulted in delays in the rescue, diagnosis and treatment of critically ill patients.
The Gaoxin hospital has been ordered to suspend its general manager and to lay off several employees.
The second establishment must dismiss its president, suspend its deputy head and dismiss the head nurse of its outpatient service.
Read alsoChina: anti-Covid rules under debate after miscarriage
Since the start of the lockdown, residents of Xi'an have complained of running out of food, they say due to a chaotic organization.
However, the epidemic focus has clearly subsided in recent days.
Authorities on Thursday reported only six new patients.
Since December 9, around 2,000 cases have been identified in Xi'an.
