Health Ministry Refers Death of Child at Daycare to General Prosecution

Health Minister Wael Abou Faour referred on Friday the case of the death of a child at a daycare center in Beirut to the General Prosecution.

The case of the death of Jana Hussein Deeb at Dima daycare in Beirut's Hay al-Sellom area was referred to the concerned judicial authorities.

Abou Faour hoped in a statement that the prosecution would take “the necessary measures” in the case.

He also ordered the closure of the center.

On Thursday, the owners of the center prevented Health Ministry inspectors from entering the facility.

The inspectors were assaulted and threatened.

Deeb died on March 16 in mysterious circumstances at the daycare.

Her family filed a complaint to the Health Ministry to tackle the case.

Abou Faour warned in his statement that “any daycare that does not meet health standards will inevitably be closed.”

“All daycare centers are required to meet the necessary conditions,” he stressed.

The minister had launched in October a nationwide food safety campaign that has sought to improve health standards in the country.

The campaign has led to the closure of a number of restaurants, warehouses, and slaughterhouses.

Several establishments have since improved their standards.

Abou Faour's campaign has widened to include hospitals and other facilities under his ministry's jurisdiction.

M.T.