Bangkok: The family of "Nong Ufa" is urging the Ministry of Public Health to investigate the hospital's standards after her finger was amputated. A mother is seeking justice after her one-year-old son's index finger was accidentally severed by a nurse's assistant while being removed from an IV line. The family of "Nong Ufa" has appealed to the Ministry of Public Health to investigate hospital standards. The hospital sent a representative to offer a gift basket and 4,000 baht in compensation.
According to Thai News Agency, the Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office and Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital issued a statement admitting fault for the incident and expressing condolences to the family. They confirmed that the hospital arranged for Ufa to undergo second surgery to reattach her finger by a hand surgery specialist at Sappasit Prasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani Province, which is over 100 kilometers away. The second surgery was successful.
Regarding compensation measures, the Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office emphasized that it will be responsible for all medical expenses, including providing the maximum and fairest compensation according to the victim's entitlements. Furthermore, it has instructed all affiliated hospitals to immediately review their safety systems and staff procedures for the use of medical equipment to prevent such a tragic incident from recurring.
The Provincial Public Health Officer of Yasothon has issued an urgent order to suspend the male nursing assistant immediately and has established a committee to investigate the facts urgently. If it is found that his actions constitute gross negligence, he could face the maximum penalty of dismissal or termination from government service.
Today at 10:30 AM, the uncle and relatives of Nong Ufa filed a complaint with the "Sai Mai Must Survive" Facebook page. The uncle revealed that the incident occurred while the child's mother was alone, and the father was packing things into the car. The assistant nurse repeatedly tried to cut the gauze with scissors but failed, causing the child's finger to be severed. Following the incident, staff separated the assistant nurse, and the child underwent X-rays and two rounds of bleeding control. Neither the hospital nor the assistant nurse has offered an apology.
Regarding treatment, doctors performed two surgeries to reattach the finger. The first surgery was unsuccessful, but the finger reattached in the second surgery. However, doctors cannot yet confirm whether the child will regain normal function, as only 20-30% of the finger has reattached, and the child is still small with blood vessels not yet fully healed. The child is currently recovering and has a sore throat from the surgery, making it difficult for them to eat. The family is still deeply distressed. Yesterday, a representative from the hospital visited, bringing a gift basket and 4,000 baht, claiming it was for fuel and hotel expenses for a relative. The family refused the money and left it beside the patient's bed.
Initially, the family filed a police report at the Loeng Nok Tha Police Station, but the police advised them to try negotiating with the hospital first. The family intends to wait until their child's condition improves before formally following up and claiming compensation. Furthermore, relatives stated that they are aware of other patients who have also been affected by medical malpractice at this hospital, with some even dying but only receiving 10,000 baht in compensation. Therefore, they believe the hospital should have better care and accountability measures in place.