Bangkok: Saimai Must Survive and relatives of a deceased man who fell from a bridge and suffered a fatal neck injury have filed a complaint with the Ministry of Public Health. The complaint alleges that a doctor at the first hospital misdiagnosed the severity of the injury, leading to the man’s death. Concerns have been raised about whether the doctor conducted a thorough examination and whether the treatment under social security rights was adequate.
According to Thai News Agency, the relatives of the deceased reported the incident to Mr. Ekkapop Lueangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive page. They explained that their uncle had an accident, falling from a dam, which resulted in a broken neck and eventually led to his death. The family is seeking justice from the Ministry of Public Health, claiming that the initial hospital visit resulted in an incorrect diagnosis of a minor injury. The patient was advised to rest and take painkillers, which allegedly allowed the injury to worsen, leading to his death. A formal complaint was submitted to Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit Chit-areerat, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Public Health.
Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit confirmed that the patient had fallen from a height on March 21 and was taken to a hospital by rescue workers. Medical staff observed him from 11:00 p.m. until nearly 5:00 a.m. The patient was reportedly responsive and able to care for himself, prompting the hospital to discharge him. However, the patient later exhibited symptoms of weakness and was admitted to a second hospital, where a CT scan revealed a broken neck bone pressing on a nerve. Despite receiving treatment, the patient passed away on March 25. Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit mentioned that the case would be reviewed to ensure the treatment met professional standards and, if not, it would be forwarded to the Medical Council for further investigation.
The deceased’s relatives reported that during his initial hospital stay, the patient asked to be admitted due to numbness and lack of strength in his limbs. Hospital staff noted that the patient remained immobile and needed assistance from relatives to be moved. These observations prompted questions about the thoroughness of the examination conducted by the first hospital.
Lieutenant Colonel Thanakrit stated that further inquiries are necessary to clarify the assistance provided by rescue officers on-site. Photographic evidence reportedly contradicts the hospital’s account, showing the patient lying flat and unable to move. The investigation will determine if there was any negligence, and legal action will be considered if necessary. Compensation through social security could reach up to 400,000 baht.
Additionally, the deceased’s family has requested that the Social Security Office ensure complete service delivery and urged medical personnel to prioritize patient care without financial discrimination. The victim reportedly expressed a desire to seek immediate treatment, regardless of cost, due to pervasive numbness.
Colonel Thanakrit assured that relevant individuals would be interviewed promptly. He emphasized that, in emergencies, patients should initially receive treatment at the nearest facility before being referred to their entitled hospital, as mandated by the Medical Council’s guidelines to prioritize patient survival.