A hospital in Ratchaburi has suspended a physician and launched an investigation following allegations that a doctor failed to properly assess a patient who later died from blocked coronary arteries.
The case drew widespread attention after a social media user identified as "Khru Sai" (Teacher Sai) posted a tearful video seeking justice for her husband.
She said he sought treatment after experiencing severe pain that spread from a finger to the left side of his chest and was accompanied by heavy sweating.
He had told medical staff the pain was different from discomfort associated with previous wrist surgery and disclosed a history of high cholesterol.
Khru Sai alleged the internal medicine department declined to treat him because blood test results were unavailable, as he had eaten before arriving at the hospital.
He was then referred to an orthopaedic doctor, who said the symptoms were unrelated to an orthopaedic condition and advised him to return to internal medicine.
She claimed the internal medicine physician did not conduct a physical examination, including the use of a stethoscope.
After researching the symptoms online, she suspected a heart condition and requested an electrocardiogram (ECG).
However, she alleged the doctor refused, attributed the symptoms to anxiety and hot weather, prescribed painkillers and discharged him.
She also claimed the physician dismissed her concerns, describing her as "neurotic" and saying the likelihood of her husband becoming an emergency case was low. After returning home, she planned to take him to another hospital later that evening. However, he went into shock and died. An autopsy later found two blocked coronary arteries.
San Camillo Hospital Ban Pong said on Facebook on Saturday that it had appointed a probe committee, suspended the physician pending the outcome and pledged a transparent review of the case.
