[UPDATED] Najib discharged from hospital on specialists’ advice, says Noor Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR – The decision to discharge former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) following his admission last Friday was made after hospital specialists had conducted numerous tests prior to giving him a clean bill of health.

In a statement, today, Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said Najib had been admitted as an elective case instead of on an emergency basis to ensure that his health was in optimum shape.

“The check-up and relevant tests were conducted by senior specialists, comprising the heads of clinical services at the hospital in their respective fields. 

“HKL had also conducted two family conferences, in which the former prime minister and his family members had participated.

“The results of the tests were informed when the conferences were conducted in accordance with professional medical practices.   

“They were also informed of the unanimous decision by the specialists that Najib will be allowed to be discharged from HKL,” he said.

Additionally, Noor Hisham also pointed out that the medicines prescribed during Najib’s admission were the same as the ones he had been taking previously, and were on the Health Ministry’s approved list of medicines.

“The ministry wishes to inform that it is committed and transparent in providing health services to any individuals. However at the same time, it also has a duty to abide by patient confidentiality in its ethics and practices as listed under the Medical Act 1971 (Amendment 2012).

“Any detailed information on the health status of a patient can be revealed to the court if instructed as such,” he added.

The statement comes after Najib’s 1Malaysia Development Bhd trial was adjourned earlier today to allow the former prime minister to seek medical attention, with his condition said to be “quite bad”.

Lead prosecutor Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram told the high court here that he had been informed by Prison Department officers that a recent change to Najib’s high blood pressure medication has had an adverse impact on the Pekan MP’s health.

As such, he requested for the court to adjourn by 12.30pm today so Najib could be allowed to attend his medical appointment at 2pm.

Sri Ram added that the Umno man would have to return to Kajang Prison to make the necessary arrangements before heading to hospital.

Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah agreed to the adjournment, as the former prime minister watched from the dock. 

The hearing will resume tomorrow. – The Vibes, September 12, 2022