BANGKOK, 15 Oct 2013 The Ministry of Public Health will scrutinize a private hospital that allegedly refused to treat a pregnant woman in labor as she could not afford the operation. The event has led to her failed attempt to deliver the baby by herself at home resulting in her baby’s death.
The Metropolitan Police stated that the case can escalate into a law suit if the woman in question decides to press charges against the hospital, as the latter’s negligence to treat a life threatening emergency patient counts as a crime. Offenders in such a case are subjected to a 3-year jail term or 6,000 baht fine or both. However, the lady has not yet come forward to officially make a case, the police added, saying the complaint can also be made at the Medical Council of Thailand.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Wachira Pengjan said the Ramathibodi Hospital is currently conducting an autopsy on the baby, adding the physical health of the unfortunate mother is well although she is undergoing the post pregnancy recovering process.
He stated the Department of Health Service Support will conduct a thorough investigation into the case, ensuring that the department will give fairness to all sides.
