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KUALA LUMPUR – The high court today awarded more than RM5.6 million to a 3-year-old girl in a medical suit brought against doctors at a public hospital.
The girl suffered spinal cord injuries following complications from a Caesarean section on May 12, 2020.
The surgery left her paralysed from her neck downwards.
Following the birth, the hospital conducted an internal inquiry which revealed that the medical officer on duty did not have the experience to perform the surgery.
The inquiry also found that the surgery was done without supervision by an obstetrician and gynaecologist.
The girl’s father filed a suit against the government and doctors involved.
In the suit, the father claimed that there was negligence and that the doctors failed to act in his daughter’s best interest.
The government admitted liability and the court was asked to assess the damages payable.
Justice Akhtar Tahir in his ruling said no amount of money could lessen the girl’s pain and suffering.
However, he said the court was of the view that the amount awarded must compensate as best as possible the additional expenses to be incurred by her caregivers.
He also took into consideration evidence from doctors that the toddler would likely live to the age of 23 based on her condition. – The Vibes, July 5, 2023
