'Shouting doc' case resolved through negotiations – health dept

The Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS) said the case of a doctor purportedly losing his temper with a patient has been resolved through negotiations (rundingcara) between both sides.

A recording of the incident, which took place at a government clinic in Seremban, had gone viral on social media.

Posted this morning, the 29-second clip depicted the doctor, the patient and the latter's sibling embroiled in an argument.

The video was posted on the Facebook account of “Murugan Ramasamy”, who claimed to be the patient in the video.

JKNNS deputy director (public health) Dr Mohamad Faid Abd Rashid said a preliminary probe is underway and the department has contacted the complainant for further details.

“As of now, the issue has been resolved through negotiations on both sides,” he added in a statement this evening.

Farid also urged the public not to make assumptions based on the video and to obtain information from official sources.

He said that complaints about health services should be done through the proper channels and that taking pictures or video recordings without permission at a healthcare facility were not allowed.

“It is important that this ban is understood and abided by the public in order to protect the confidentiality of the other patients receiving treatment or check-ups at that healthcare facility including the consultation room of the healthcare officer,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Facebook post said the incident was related to the medication prescribed to the patient.

“So today I and my sisters came to 'Klinik Kesihatan Seremban', Rasah, around 7.10 pm. I had a terrible cough and flu. After going through the normal procedure before getting a room they gave me Room 9. After waiting for about 15 minutes, the doctor called my number. I went in and told (him) that I was having cough and flu.”

The post alleged that the doctor told the patient that he would prescribe cough medicine but the pharmacist later gave flu and diarrhoea medication instead.

“So I told the pharmacist that I don't have diarrhoea, I have a cough. So she told me, the doctor didn't put that medicine in the system. Then she told me to go see the doctor again.

“So I went met him again and asked him. He replied to me 'go tell her la'... So I went to tell the pharmacist again, so she told me to wait. Fine enough, I waited for about another 15 minutes.

“After that, the pharmacist called my name again and told me to meet the doctor again and ask him to update in the system. So, I and my dad went in. My dad asked him why couldn't he give proper medicine, and he shouted,” it added.

 - Mkini