Venezuela health minister sacked over mortality stats

Venezuela health minister sacked over mortality stats

According to state media, Venezuela has sacked Health Minister Antonieta Caporale after her department released statistics
revealing a large jump in infant and maternal mortality and Vice-Minister of Hospitals Luis López has been appointed to take over.

The ministry's report showed the number of women dying in childbirth had risen by 65%, while child deaths were up 30%.

They also showed a jump in illnesses such as malaria and diphtheria.

Venezuela President is not pleased with the figure believing that that it was the work of the opposition to put the country in a bad shape.

However, the report may reflects the country's deep economic crisis as a result of government mismanagement.

President Nicolas Maduro argues that the health crisis is caused by medicines being hoarded to encourage a coup against him.