Ang thong: Ang Thong Hospital clarifies that the doctor's smile during the press conference regarding the death of the 5-day-old child was only briefly observed while answering questions.
According to Thai News Agency, the hospital's clarification comes in response to criticism of medical personnel appearing to smile and laugh during a press conference concerning the death of a 5-day-old child. The child's parents are demanding justice, and there has been speculation that the cause of death might be linked to a meal served in the NICU. This has led to renewed scrutiny of the medical staff involved.
Ang Thong Hospital issued a statement explaining that images and videos circulating online may have caused misunderstandings and distress to the victim's family and the public. The hospital clarified that the smile was a brief reaction while listening to an unexpected question about potential legal action against the deceased child's relatives.
The hospital emphasized there was no intention to express congratulations, mockery, or disrespect towards the deceased and their family. It assured that all medical personnel perform their duties with respect for patients and service users and have no intention of behaving inappropriately or causing offense.
The hospital is committed to a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation to uncover the truth swiftly, ensuring justice for all parties and restoring public trust. While the hospital later released a statement regarding the cause of death, Ms. Paveena Hongsakul, President of the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women, coordinated with law enforcement to review CCTV footage as part of a broader investigation.
The investigation will focus on two issues: the catering within the ICU area, deemed inappropriate, and the cause of the infant's death. Ms. Hongsakul urged the Ministry of Public Health to review safety measures in hospitals nationwide and implement clear inspection and penalty measures.
The family was informed by the hospital that the baby was born prematurely and in critical condition, but they were notified of the baby's death after being told the condition had improved, raising suspicions about a potential infection linked to the banquet in the ICU.
The family accepts the hospital's explanation regarding the cause of death but seeks confirmation from the Police Hospital and the Forensic Institute to determine the infection's cause. The mother, still grieving after the child's cremation, is experiencing health issues and will be taken for further treatment at another hospital.