PETALING JAYA: The health ministry, through its private medical practice control division (CKPAS), has launched an investigation into allegations that a private hospital withheld the body of a deceased baby for two weeks over the family’s unpaid bills.
Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the probe and urged the public to remain calm while authorities carry out their investigation, Berita Harian reported.
“I will wait patiently for a comprehensive report from all responsible agencies involved, including CKPAS, which has already engaged with several parties related to the case,” he was quoted as saying at a press conference in Parliament.
Dzulkefly also called on the public to approach the situation with empathy, compassion and understanding.
Earlier today, Perikatan Nasional MPs called on the health ministry to launch an investigation into the incident and hold the hospital management accountable.
One of the MPs, Ahmad Yunus Hairi, said the hospital management should have contacted the social welfare department or the Selangor Zakat Board if the family truly could not afford the costs.
In response, the hospital, Hospital Bersalin Razif (HBR), denied any wrongdoing.
It said the baby, born with cyclopia syndrome with one eye, an absent nose and anus, died shortly after delivery. The mother, unable to pay the RM2,480 hospital bill, was reportedly allowed to proceed with the burial while payment arrangements were made.
HBR claimed repeated reminders were sent, but the man accompanying the mother, initially described as her husband, failed to arrange the burial.
The media reported that the baby’s body was allegedly kept in the hospital mortuary despite repeated requests from the family to proceed with the burial.
The hospital management allegedly insisted that a RM3,600 bill be settled before any funeral arrangements could be made.
