Kelantan Health Department investigates treatment delay at Tumpat Hospital after a teen’s viral complaint, pledging better procedures.
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Health Department will conduct a further investigation and improve operating procedures at the Tumpat Hospital Emergency and Trauma Unit following a treatment delay issue that went viral on social media yesterday.
The state health department in a statement today, informed that it noted the viral post uploaded yesterday regarding the treatment of a 17-year-old female patient who sought medical attention at the hospital.
According to the statement, the patient arrived at the Tumpat Hospital Emergency and Trauma Unit at 9:50 pm last Wednesday, complaining of shortness of breath, fever, cough, and a cold.
“The patient was examined by a medical officer at 9:52 pm, and the examination found no signs of an acute asthma attack, while further examination at Secondary Triage also found her condition to be stable.
“The patient was then placed in the Green Zone while awaiting further examination because there were other cases in the Yellow Zone and Red Zone requiring immediate treatment at that time,” the statement read.
However, when called back for further examination at 12:02 am, the patient was found to have left the hospital without informing the staff.
According to the statement, a preliminary review found several aspects that need attention, particularly in terms of communication and patient management at the Emergency and Trauma Unit.
In response, Tumpat Hospital will conduct a detailed investigation alongside improving existing procedures to ensure more effective service delivery.
“As an initial improvement step, patients with a history of asthma will be given continuous monitoring until their treatment is completed. In addition, patients in the Green Zone who are waiting for their turn for treatment will also be reassessed periodically until they are called for further examination,” the statement added.
The state health department emphasised that it takes the matter seriously and remains committed to strengthening the delivery of professional, quality healthcare services focused on patient well-being, in line with the aspirations of the Ministry of Health.
