Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital

The official statement came in response to public concerns after a report in last week's Weekend Bulletin shed light on a 13-year-old girl's plight after having had three surgeries in the last two months while living with a genetic disorder called McCune-Albright Syndrome.

Dr Hajah Norlila Dato Haji Abdul Jalil, Director General of Medical Services, told the Borneo Bulletin in a private meeting with other senior ministry officials that this has all been a "miscommunication".

Not being able to divulge further medical details of the particular case, Dr Hjh Norlila was, however, able to say that they are now deciding the best course of action for the patient.

Meanwhile, the patient's family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff for the continued care that has been provided. "We are not blaming the hospital but only questioning the actions of the doctor involved," the patient's father clarified with the Bulletin.

"We completely understand that people make mistakes but we just want to make sure that these same mistakes do not happen again," he explained, adding that he has full confidence in the abilities of other doctors at the hospital.

"I fully regret my actions if this one incident results in people losing faith in the entire hospital," he added. The family had initially approached the Bulletin and was concerned that because of the media coverage, there would be negative repercussions.

"We are sorry if that was the impression that they got but it wasn't intentional," explained Dr Hjh Norlila.

"I know that (the hospital staff) didn't intentionally do it but if it gave (the family) the impression that (the news report) had a negative influence we need to counteract that by being more positive (towards the patient)," she explained.

The director-general further revealed that measures have already been taken to ensure that patients do not feel marginalised for seeking help outside the hospital but also recognised the hospital's need to "strengthen" in-house mechanisms that deal with patient grievances.

"It might also be on our part that we have not done enough to highlight other avenues that patients can turn to... which can be more beneficial to the patient in terms of a response," she told the Bulletin.

She also guaranteed that patients' grievances would be fully examined if they were willing and able to divulge specific details pertaining to each individual case.

On the development of the attending specialist surgeon, Dr Hjh Norlila clarified that they will be conducting an "assessment" on the case and not an "investigation, because an 'investigation' would mean that we are trying to find fault, whereas we are just trying to improve the situation for the patient".

The ministry, however, has reassured the family that the patient will continue to receive the best possible medical care that the hospital can offer.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Comments (9)

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RIPAS: FOREIGN DOCTORS
written by semaun , November 06, 2009

The ministry, however, has reassured the family that the patient will continue to receive the best possible medical care that the hospital can offer

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unprofessional
written by Christopher , November 06, 2009

thats why I never get treated at Ripas. I just find the nurses and doctors there are unprofessional.. with salary on their mind. they dont care about the public. My relative died because of their unprofessionalism.
Nursing school? what a waste.

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...
written by Normah A. Hamdan , November 06, 2009

I have more confidence now with Ripas hospital. Thanks to MOH for your kind follow up action and assessment.

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doctors like to operate patient for some reason
written by concern patient , November 06, 2009

I would like to stress that, the doctor in Ripas always like to operate their patient, for some reason. Maybe they will get lots Bonus from operating their patient which is not necessary. A patient can have 3 to 5 operation from the doctor. I dont know why is this is necessary. The doctor enjoy in having receive the Bonus pay for operating their patient for many times? I heard that each time they having operation. They will receive a certain amount pay. Is there a justify towards for the need of operation of their patient? or they like to do it for the sake of Bonus extra pay?

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good response
written by anna , November 06, 2009

this kind of follow up action is very much appreciated by many because not everybody in Brunei can afford expensive medical care from other clinics. We want to say we're appreciative of the free medical care Brunei government offers to the locals.. free and reliable.. not free but worthless thanks MOH.

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Always 2 sides for a story
written by fluffy , November 06, 2009

Dear All, it is very sad to read about this particular case.... hopefully MOH will be able to investigate and do what is right.... However, there is always 2 sides of a story....

Christopher, u claimed the doctors in RIPAS are unprofessional and having salary on their mind.... i think thats over generalisations.... i pity the doctors in Brunei.... i think MOH has not been looking after their well being.... they are under paid and working on long hours with so much insufficient materials in the hospital.

If only you know any personnel working for MOH, they would be more than happy to tell you how bad hospitals in Brunei are organised and administered. Lacking in materials, equipments, maintainence etc etc....

do you know that the nurses and doctors even have to buy gloves using their own money because the hospital don't have the budget to supply them.....

if we are to point at someone..... it should be the administrators..... but hey,lets hope because of this case... it would be an eye opener to MOH and maybe ... just maybe they will be an improvement (cross our fingers)

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At last ada tah sudah orng yang berfikiran terbuka,
written by Syukur. , November 07, 2009

Alhamdulillah ani tah yang d tunggu2, orng cakap Hospital inda dapat d complain, bukan Hospital, tapi Doctor nya sometime take advantage just because of having allowance to do an operation. Akhir nya ada tah jua tempat mengadu and at least doctor and nurse nya inda cuai. Kalau inda masih lagi durang buat mcm atu, I hope this will be going further and see an improvement in the hospital..

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extra careful
written by ++, , November 07, 2009

Instead od the assessment being carried out, the doctors should take more extra careful when dealing lives with responsibilities and seriousness.

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Not just talk only but action!
written by Prof. stone , November 07, 2009

Ya right! Doctors at fault that involved in this incidence must be dealt with!! Let them taste the pain of this little suffering patient. Thanks to MOH for promising the best treatment for this girl. Not just talk only, but action PLS. Some staffs are just taking salary but without the proper ambition in treating and caring patient's life. So, MOH should spy on them everytime, to ensure they really do their job well. More professionalists should hire in the future to meet the patient's need. Remember, doctors either kill or save..

Thanks again to MOH and reporters too

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