Kedah JKN Addresses Allegation That A COVID-19 Patient Who Died Was Left Unattended

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In the statement, that has been shared by newly-minted Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin earlier today, 31 August, Kedah JKN director Dr Othman Warijo said that the elderly patient was a referral from the Kuala Muda district COVID-19 assessment centre and was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday, 26 August.

"The patient had a history of several chronic diseases and had a category four COVID-19 infection that required oxygen assistance," Dr Othman said in the statement, adding that throughout his stay in the hospital ward, the patient was unstable and required an increasing level of oxygen pressure.

"He, however, appeared uncomfortable with the oxygen assistance equipment he had to wear. He was monitored more frequently by personnel who could speak in his mother tongue, to ease communication."

According to Dr Othman, on the day of the incident, medical staff on duty at the ward were able to attend to the elderly patient within five minutes of being informed that the patient had fallen from his bed.

Dr Othman said that the on-duty staff had just removed their personal protective equipment (PPE) at 1.45pm after finishing their morning ward round when they were informed about the incident at 2.25pm.

"The medical officers rushed to put on their PPE and immediately examined the patient lying on the ward floor," he explained, adding that it took the officers five minutes to wear their PPE.

"By which time, the patient was found to have no signs of life. He was lifted back onto the bed, and subsequently confirmed to have died of Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia," Dr Othman said.

He also said that the physician met with the patient's family members the same afternoon and explained the actual situation of the incident.

"Family members were aware of the patient's deteriorating condition and they accepted the explanation given by the hospital. The department extends its condolences to the family of the deceased and regrets the transmission of the video which should not have happened," he added.

"We ask the public to refrain from further spreading the video. The department will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, and take the necessary steps to improve things."

The clip showed the weak-looking patient on his knees on the floor of the ward as he tries to stand up by holding on to a bed stand of another patient but soon collapses. But no one came to help.

It then cuts to the man lying on the floor motionless, with his urine bag on one side.

According to a report in Free Malaysia Today, the individual who uploaded the video alleged that the COVID-19 patient was left unattended by ward staff until he was confirmed dead 40 minutes later.