Official data: 324 children abandoned in maternity wards, other health facilities in first nine months of 2021

A total of 324 children were abandoned in maternity wards and other health facilities in the first nine months of 2021, by one more than in the same period of 2020, shows data released on the website of the National Authority for Disabled Persons' Rights, Children and Adoptions (ANDPDCA).

Of these, 245 children were left in maternity wards, 72 in pediatric wards, and seven were abandoned in other hospital wards.

Also, of 314 children discharged from hospital 117 returned to their families, 26 were placed with families/individuals and 140 with foster carers.

Another 13 children were put in foster centers, six - in emergency reception centers, and 12 children are in other situations, ANDPDCA said.