Many of Baghdad's public hospitals are poorly maintained and offer sub-standard healthcare, forcing a number of Iraqis to seek private treatment or travel abroad. WorldBAGHDAD, AFP -A fire tore through the maternity ward of one of Baghdad's largest hospitals Wednesday, killing at least 11 premature babies, medical and security sources said. Health ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Rudeini told AFP the blaze at the Yarmuk hospital in west Baghdad was started by an electrical fault just after midnight (2100 GMT Tuesday). The lack of adequate public services, such as quality medical care, electricity and water supply, has angered the public and led to a series of protests over the past year. Rudeini added in a statement that seven children were saved from the fire and taken to other maternity wards in Baghdad.

Source: Sunday Times August 10, 2016 10:07 UTC