SG PETANI – In an effort to get police to investigate her father’s death in Sg Petani Hospital, E. Chitradevi lodged a report today as she felt suspicious about his cause of death.
Chitradevi, 37, who went to the Kuala Muda district police station this morning, said she also wants an autopsy as part of the investigation into the death of K. Ethambaram, 74.
Recalling the incident, Chitradevi said her father was admitted to the hospital ward last Thursday after complaining of shortness of breath, and was confirmed positive for Covid-19 after undergoing a test.
“When I entered the ward, the doctor informed me that my father needed oxygen. Two days later, the doctor said my father was on the mend and could eat.
“When we found out he could eat, we sent his favorite food to the hospital last Sunday. But on Monday we were told that he was dead,” she told The Vibes.
Chitradevi, who is one of four siblings, said she was shocked when she saw a video sent by her friend via WhatsApp yesterday afternoon, and felt heartbroken after watching it.
She added that her father was previously a healthy man and did not have any chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
“Our mother still does not know what happened to my father. My mother is not very healthy, so we are very worried her health will deteriorate if she finds out about my father’s death.”
She said that until now, no representative from the Health Ministry has contacted the family to explain the incident.
“When we arrived at the Sg Petani Hospital forensic unit this morning, no one was there to give any explanation. I just hope after this they do not do the same to others.”
Meanwhile, Kedah Health Director Dr Othman Warijo said in a statement that the doctors had met the patient’s family and explained yesterday’s incident.
He added that the family members were aware of the patient’s deteriorating condition before that and accepted the explanation given by the hospital.
He also denied that the staff of Sg Petani Hospital was late in providing assistance to the patient.
Yesterday, a 38-second video circulated via WhatsApp, showing a weak-looking patient on his knees on the floor of the hospital trying to pull himself up to a bed.
The video was cut short, and continued with footage showing the patient lying motionless with a urine bag still beside him while another patient tried to approach and examine him.
The individual who posted the viral video alleged that the Covid-19 patient was left unattended by ward staff until he was confirmed dead 40 minutes later. – The Vibes, August 31, 2021
