Ministry launches probe into baby- mix up case
ARUSHA: THE Ministry of Health has taken several measures in response to allegations of a baby mix-up, including suspending a nurse at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, where the baby was born.
Other measures include collecting DNA samples from mothers who gave birth at the hospital when the incident occurred together with their infants. These samples have been sent to the Chief Government Chemist for testing.
The incident reportedly involved Ms Neema Kilugala, who gave birth via caesarean section on March 24 this year and then claimed that the baby brought to her was not hers.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Health’s Head of Communication Unit Roida Andusamile, Ms Kilugala reported that after delivery, the nurse who attended to her initially showed her the newborn, who was alive and healthy.
However, when the infant was later returned to her, she noticed that the baby was wrapped in unfamiliar fabrics, raising suspicions that she had been given a different child. “The mother was assured that the baby was hers, and the nurse explained that there had been a mix-up with another child’s garments. However, despite the explanation, confusion persisted, prompting further action,” Ms Andusamile said.
To ensure transparency and resolve the matter, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Office of the Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary and the Police Force, has launched an investigation into the matter.
“We are committed to safeguarding the integrity of our healthcare system and will ensure that appropriate measures are taken based on the findings,” Ms Andusamile added.
The suspension of the nurse is a precautionary step to allow for a thorough inquiry before any formal action is taken. Hospital authorities have assured the public that they are fully cooperating with investigators.
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Ms Kilugala said that upon arriving at the hospital, she was advised to rest while waiting for her scheduled operation. However, when the time for her procedure was ready, the nurses informed her that she was not on the list. They told her that the operation would only take place once the morning list was completed.
“I was initially scheduled for the operation on Friday (March 21, 2025), but it was delayed until Monday (March 24, 2025). My baby was born healthy, weighing 3.1 kilogrammes. However, around 11:40 am, a baby was brought to me, supposedly mine, but the fabric wraps were not the ones I had. I immediately informed my mother and reported the issue to a nurse. The nurse then took me around, telling me that my baby was in the incubator,” she explained.
