Infant’s death: Independent committee to probe allegations of negligence

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Health Department has established an independent committee to investigate allegations of negligence by staff in the maternity ward at Dungun Hospital, which purportedly led to the death of a newborn.

The department’s director, Datuk Dr Kasemani Embong, stated that the investigation was initiated following a viral post on X by the account owner ‘Matdan The Great (@rushashraf)’ on Sept 17.

He explained that the account owner expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided by the maternity ward staff to his sister and newborn niece.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the complainant’s sister was admitted to the maternity ward at Dungun Hospital on Sept 16, 2024, and safely delivered the baby at 5.08 am.

“However, the baby was found to be experiencing breathing difficulties and was given initial treatment to stabilise her condition before being transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kemaman Hospital at 7.45am,” he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 20).

Dr. Kasemani stated that, sadly, the baby could not be saved and passed away after 40 hours of treatment in the unit.

He said the department is still investigating the cause of death and will ensure it is conducted thoroughly and promptly.

“The department takes the concerns raised by the complainant very seriously and has established an independent committee to investigate the matter.

“We will also implement appropriate improvements based on every comment made,” he said, welcoming feedback from the public to enhance the quality of health services.- Bernama