GEORGE TOWN – Penang Hospital has admitted a Category 4 Covid-19 patient to its intensive care unit despite the man refusing treatment.
The state Health Department in a statement said an initial examination of Affendy Mohd Yusof showed an alarming decrease in his blood oxygen level.
“Oxygen therapy treatment was initiated.
“However, a further examination found that the patient’s condition was critical, to the point that the oxygen level in the patient’s blood could be stabilised only by using a ventilator.”
The statement is in response to a viral video of Affendy protesting against being warded in the hospital ICU without his permission.
From his hospital bed, Affendy said he was at the hospital for Covid-19 screening when he was taken to the ICU without having signed consent forms.
He requested that Gerakan Post-Mortem Covid-19 (GPMC) help him leave the hospital soon.
GPMC is a coalition of civil groups representing Malaysians concerned about those who feel persecuted by the government’s implementation of health and safety standard operating procedures and purported denial of anti-vaxxers’ rights.
Maklum Balas Mengenai Kenyataan dan Video Yang Ditularkan Di Dalam Media Sosial Facebook Berkenaan Isu Pesakit COVID-19 Dimasukkan Di Wad Rawatan Rapi (ICU) Hospital Pulau Pinang pic.twitter.com/f5abLg1ewI
— KKMalaysia?? (@KKMPutrajaya) September 13, 2021
The state Health Department said an ICU specialist has informed Affendy and his family members of his critical condition.
“The hospital has repeatedly explained to family members and patients about the risks that could endanger patients’ lives if they do not allow the hospital to provide treatment.
“However, the patient in question remained adamant, refusing the recommended treatment, and applied to go home at his own risk.”
Affendy, who is in critical condition, is being monitored in the ICU despite his refusal to be administered oxygen therapy and be put on a ventilator.
He insists that he is alright, and said he can still sit up and talk.
Affendy has not been vaccinated against the coronavirus, on the grounds that Covid-19 vaccines are still under clinical trial.
He said Penang Hospital has failed to provide him food for four days, a claim denied by state health director Dr Maarof Sudin.
“Patients in the ICU are given liquid food, such as milk, to facilitate digestion and avoid complications.
“The hospital is always concerned and will continue to monitor the patient, and will always provide regular feedback to the patient’s family.
“Members of the public and patients who have any questions, complaints or suggestions are requested to contact the hospital directly.” – The Vibes, September 13, 2021
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