The Ministry of Health has responded to mounting public criticism regarding the decision to take a newborn into state custody, asserting that the move was necessary to ensure the child’s safety and protection.

The clarification follows a viral social media post alleging that a three-day-old infant was removed from the mother’s care last week. According to the online reports, the decision was purportedly based on the mother’s mental health condition and disabilities, which officials allegedly deemed as factors preventing her from providing adequate care.

In an official statement released this afternoon, the Ministry emphasized that providing protection to minors is a primary state responsibility. It clarified that under the Child Rights Protection Act, taking a child into state custody is strictly a last resort, utilized only when the child’s safety within the family environment cannot be guaranteed after a thorough assessment of the circumstances.

The Ministry further noted that its priority remains keeping children with their biological parents whenever possible. When safety concerns arise, officials first seek to identify suitable guardians within the extended family. State intervention occurs only when these options are exhausted or proven to be unsafe for the minor.