Chile\'s health minister has resigned after a hospital failed to tell dozens of patients they had tested positive for HIV, which can lead to AIDS.



Maria Soledad Barria said she did not want to be an obstacle to government efforts to improve the health service.



Before resigning, Ms Barria dismissed several members of staff at the hospital in Iquique, northern Chile.



Ms Barria, who was appointed to the post in 2006, is said to be a close friend of President Michelle Bachelet.