Health DG Says Clothes Policing Shouldn’t Happen At Medical Facilities
The woman suddenly experienced stomach cramps while playing badminton but was allegedly told to change into long pants before she could be treated.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has responded to a claim that a woman was refused treatment at a government hospital because she was wearing shorts.
Noor Hisham said clothes or moral policing shouldn’t happen in health facilities. He also thanked the netizen who alerted the matter to him and said the ministry will launch an investigation into the matter.
If the claims are true, Noor Hisham said the ministry will take necessary action.
This shouldn’t happen in health facilities. We will investigate and if it is true will take necessary action. Thank you for highlighting this issue.
— Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) February 14, 2023
State Human Resources, Health and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the state government will investigate the claims, New Straits Times reported.
Sivanesan said the medical officer on duty gave the woman a cursory examination on Sunday at 11pm. The officer then reprimanded her for wearing shorts before leaving the counter at the hospital’s emergency unit.
What happened that day?
On 13 February, Damien Chan told Nanyang Siang Pau that he was playing badminton with his friend when his friend’s girlfriend suddenly experienced sharp stomach pains.
Feeling worried, they rushed her to Kampar Hospital but was allegedly prevented from seeking treatment because she was wearing shorts.
Damien was forced to drive back to the hostel to get a pair of long pants for her. The woman, who was still in pain, was only allowed into the emergency department after she changed into long pants.
Damien’s friend was dissatisfied with the way his girlfriend was treated and asked why there was such a policy. The staff told him that it was according to hospital rules.
When they pressed the staff for more answers, they were allegedly chased out and scolded for having no manners.
Damien and his friend decided to file a formal complaint via email to the hospital’s management.
After the doctor’s examination, the woman was suspected to have suffered bad menstrual cramps and high blood pressure.
She’s otherwise in stable condition and was allowed to leave the hospital at 3am.
The moral policing gives a sense of deja vu
The incident has ticked off many netizens because the “rule” makes no sense, especially when it comes to treating patients since it could be a matter of life or death.
Netizens said the hospital was fortunate that nobody died when they were sent away to change clothes.
Most of them believe that the hospital shouldn’t turn away anyone seeking medical attention regardless of what they wear.
This incident brings to mind a previous case when a woman was denied entry at a police station after getting involved in an accident because she wore shorts.
Back then, netizens said it was ridiculous to expect victims to change out of their clothes, which could contain evidence, before going to the police station to seek help.
READ MORE: Woman In Shorts Denied Entry At Kajang Police Station After Getting Into An Accident
What if someone dies because of this stupid gatekeeping? By the time balik rumah tukar baju, a lot of things can happen. What if house is far? What if no transport? What if no one to accompany patient? If so fussy, at least provide a sarong.
— thatsmyfullname 🕺 (@thatsmyfullname) February 15, 2023
Hospital should never denied ANYONE emergency treatment FULL STOP
— david🏴🏳️🏴🏁 (@david69723944) February 15, 2023
Emergency department is an Emergency Department which part does the hospital staff don’t understand?
— Adam (@AdamAbdullah75) February 15, 2023
Emergency & essential services are supposed to serve the public regardless of attire, socioeconomic status, race , religion etc. When is this ridiculous moral policing going to end ?
— Shivani Nagandran (@ShivaniNagandr1) February 15, 2023
Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
