Minister dismisses Giza health director after patient dies in hospital elevator incident

Minister of Health and Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development Khaled Abdel Ghaffar – archive photo

CAIRO – August 18, 2024: Minister of Health and Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has relieved the director of the Giza Health Directorate of his duties following an incident in which a patient died in an elevator.

The tragedy occurred as the patient was being transported by elevator at Shabramant Central Hospital following joint surgery, Health Ministry spokesman Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said in a televised address on Saturday.

He explained that a sudden movement of the elevator caused part of the patient's body to become trapped inside the elevator and the other part to become trapped outside, ultimately leading to her death.

In accordance with the ongoing investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Minister has ordered appropriate disciplinary measures against all persons who have fulfilled their duties.

In addition, he ordered a comprehensive review of all maintenance contracts for elevators and key equipment in coordination with the relevant authorities and set a deadline for submitting a detailed report within one week.

The minister has appointed the deputy director of the Giza Health Directorate to temporarily oversee the operations.

The ministry spokesman expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and confirmed that the public prosecutor's office is conducting a criminal investigation into the incident.

He added that the investigation should clarify whether the elevator malfunction was due to a technical defect or human error.

The spokesman reiterated the ministry's commitment to provide full support to the investigating authorities in identifying those responsible for this tragic incident.