Committee to probe baby’s amputation case

KUANTAN: An external inquiry committee will be formed to look into the case of a seven-month-old baby who had part of her left foot amputated.

In explaining the events leading up to the incident, Pahang Health Department director Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman said baby Nur Aisy Aurora Alisya Muhammad Aizat was born prematurely on Nov 24 and was diagnosed with intestinal problems.

The baby underwent laparotomy on Nov 28, he said.

“Three months later, she underwent another operation and developed complication post-operatively, including gangrene and infection in her left foot. The left foot condition became worse despite all measures taken to save it.

“Finally, she had to undergo an operation involving the amputation of her left tarsometatarsal joint to save her left foot,” he said.

Dr Sha’ari was responding to The Star’s article on the parents of a baby girl who wanted to know why all the toes on her left foot were amputated when she was admitted to hospital for intestinal problems.

He added that an internal inquiry was done on March 15 and following that, grievance mechanism was held and the baby’s condition was explained to the parents.

He also said reports on the internal inquiry were sent to the Health Ministry on May 25.

“Panel assessment of potential medico-legal cases was held on June 11 and the father was informed by the medico-legal division at the Health Ministry that an external committee will be formed to conduct an inquiry on the case and the parents will be called to attend it,” said Dr Sha’ari.

He said the department was in the process of setting up the external inquiry committee.