Paraguay authorities investigate unauthorized removal of 9-year-old girl from hospital

A 9-year-old girl was removed from the Hospital General de Barrio Obrero without proper authorization and transported to the Canindeyú department. Following her disappearance, the National Police and the Public Ministry activated the MAFE Alert to locate her.

The child, who was being treated for a complicated respiratory condition involving sepsis and multi-organ failure, was eventually located in the district of Francisco Caballero Álvarez. She has since been admitted to the Hospital Nacional de Itauguá in delicate condition.

Investigations are underway to determine how the unauthorized transfer occurred. While the child's uncle claimed the treating physician authorized the removal without signing documentation, authorities are looking into how a Ministry of Health ambulance was used for the transport.