Hatim Al-Masoodi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH – Makkah Health Affairs Directorate has opened an investigation after two babies were switched in a public hospital, West Makkah. Both babies were later returned to their biological mothers. One of the mother's was breastfeeding her baby in the hospital when nurses entered the room and informed her of the switch. Fawaz Al-Sheikh, spokesman for Makkah Health Affairs, said the mistake happened because the wrong foot bracelet was put on the baby. “This happened due to the pressures of the maternity ward; employees are overstretched but the mistake was quickly corrected.” Sources said that one of the parents asked to undergo a DNA test to make sure both families had the correct children. Meanwhile, a report issued by the Control and Investigation Board has revealed several shortcomings in the services provided by the Ministry of Health. The report, which the Shoura Council will look into after Ramadan, said that medical equipment in hospitals run by the ministry was old and there was a shortage of surgery tools. The report also said there is a shortage of doctors in most government hospitals. It recommended that more security guards be deployed at the hospitals. The shortcomings were noted following inspection visits to hospitals run by the ministry. Some of the hospitals visited include the King Fahd Medical City, Turbah General Hospital, Taif Directorate of Health Affairs, Recuperation and Mental Health Hospital, Prince Sultan Hospital in Orairah, Riyadh Health Affairs, King Khalid Specialist Eye Hospital and Mahayel Asir Hospital.
