The Kelantan Health Department will carry out a detailed investigation and review operating procedures at the Tumpat Hospital Emergency and Trauma Unit following a treatment delay issue that went viral on social media.
In a statement, the department said it had taken note of a viral post involving the treatment of a 17-year-old female patient who sought care at the hospital for breathing difficulties, fever, cough and cold symptoms.
The patient arrived at the emergency unit at 9.50pm last Wednesday and was examined shortly after, where medical officers found no signs of an acute asthma attack and assessed her condition as stable.
She was subsequently placed in the Green Zone while waiting for further assessment, as priority cases in the Yellow and Red Zones were being attended to at the time.
However, when staff later called her for follow-up examination at 12.02am, the patient was found to have left the hospital without informing medical personnel.
The department said an initial review identified areas needing improvement, particularly in communication and patient management within the emergency unit.
As part of immediate steps, the hospital will enhance monitoring for patients with a history of asthma and conduct periodic reassessments for those placed in the Green Zone while awaiting treatment.
The health department stressed that it takes the matter seriously and remains committed to improving healthcare delivery standards in line with Ministry of Health aspirations.
