The Health Ministry on Saturday sacked the director of Khanka mental health hospital in Qalubiya after 10 patients have died and 16 others suffered heat exhaustion this month.

The ministry's General Secretariat for Mental Health assigned Mohamed Saeed to run the hospital until a new director is appointed.

The sacked director has admitted that the hospital lacks equipment and the application of quality standards.

A heatwave has recently hit Egypt and left scores dead and caused hundreds to be admitted to hospitals.