A family in Nonthaburi accused a well-known hospital in the Bang Yai area of providing substandard care, leading to permanent disability for a 57 year old mother. They claim that the hospital, which they visited under the country’s universal healthcare coverage, misdiagnosed the patient’s condition and delayed proper treatment.

 

The incident dates back to 2020 when the family sought medical attention for their mother, suspecting she had the flu. They used her national health insurance, colloquially known as the 30 baht card, to pay for her treatment, which spanned five nights. However, on the sixth night, an emergency transfer to another hospital in the Muang district of Nonthaburi revealed a ruptured brain aneurysm, which resulted in the mother’s disability.

 

The family’s spokesperson, Ronnarong Kaewpet, has criticized the initial hospital’s handling of the case, questioning why there was no thorough examination over the five days and why the diagnosis remained as influenza until the patient’s condition worsened dramatically.

 

Subsequently, the Nonthaburi Provincial Public Health Office offered compensation to the family. However, the proposed settlement of 400,000 baht came with a condition that the family would not pursue legal action, which they found problematic.

 

Ronnarong brought the family’s complaint to the Ministry of Public Health, where he met with Piyawat Silparasamee, Director of the Legal Affairs Division, who promised a thorough investigation. This meeting, held on today also addressed concerns about the national health insurance policy and the need for improved hospital standards.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: PHOTO: via forbes

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25

 

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Thai doctors trying their best.  Always a laugh.

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The family’s spokesperson, Ronnarong Kaewpet, has criticized the initial hospital’s handling of the case, questioning why there was no thorough examination over the five days and why the diagnosis remained as influenza until the patient’s condition worsened dramatically.

What do you expect for 30 baht?

I'm convinced that some doctors in Thailand qualify by buying a white coat. A friend was diagnosed with indigestion when he had a heart attack, only confirmed when he was taken by someone to an alternative hospital. And I personally was diagnosed with bronchitis when a trip to a different hospital discovered I had acute food poisoning and would have been dead in two days without treatment. Often treatment is very good, but it's the times it is not which is a problem.

On the fourth visit to our local hospital, when my wife was experience stomach pain, and previously just gave her some type of drip, that made the pain subside, they diagnosed appendices, I rushed her to the City Hospital where she was operated on immediately.

3 days in hospital and meds 30 baht. Don't knock the 30b system.

Edited January 26, 20242 yr by brianthainess

13 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

Often treatment is very good, but it's the times it is not which is a problem.

It's sad but it happens in any country, in any hospital, from time to time. Investigation in to whether there was malpractice or a negligent misdiagnosis and follow up can be complex especially with aneurisms. The disabilities are not identified but the lady is lucky to be alive. Even starting with a correct diagnosis and best clinical follow up  the outcome for the patient is in the balance.

''Don't eat chicken."  
That'll be 30 baht.