Perak health exco member to probe hospital's dressing down of patient

IPOH: In the latest kerfuffle over dressing, a woman was reportedly scolded by a medical worker for being "indecently dressed" while seeking treatment at Hospital Kampar recently.

In the 11pm incident on Sunday (Feb 12), the woman in her early 20s arrived at the hospital's emergency unit seeking treatment and was criticised by the officer.

The issue has gone viral on social media.

When contacted on Monday (Feb 13), Perak health committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the woman was checked by the medical officer at the triage counter and found to be stable.

"The officer then went and got some clothing for her to wear.

"However, the patient told another hospital employee that she would seek treatment at a private clinic and left," he said.

"At about 1am on Monday, she returned to the emergency unit accompanied by a friend. She then registered and sought treatment from a doctor," he added.

Sivanesan said he was not sure if there were any standing instructions or dress code for patients at the hospital.

"I have also not met with the woman concerned to confirm what she was wearing at the time.

"I am not exactly happy with the response from the hospital," he said, adding that he may visit the hospital soon to find out what happened.

Malim Nawar Perak Youth Assembly representative Wong Chin Ho said a patient's dressing should not be an issue in seeking treatment.

"What if that person had an emergency while swimming?

"Would she need to get changed before getting treated?

"It is my sincere hope that medical workers prioritise human life rather than pick up on minor issues," said Wong, who once served as special assistant to a former state health committee chairman.