KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will set up an independent investigation committee to look into the case of two patients who allegedly died due to ventilator failure.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the investigations involved scrutinising patient medical records, standard operating procedures, guidelines and interviewing staff involved in patient care.
"Patient A was admitted to Kuala Lumpur Hospital on Jan 9. The patient was diagnosed with 'alleged ingestion of foreign body' and underwent surgery on Jan 10 and was confirmed dead on Jan 20.
"Patient B was admitted to the KLH on Jan 25. The patient was diagnosed with septic shock secondary to left lower limb necrotising fasciitis and was confirmed dead on Jan 26."
He said this in response to a question by Kepong member of parliament Lim Lip Eng.
Lim had asked Dr Dzulkefly to address reports that the patients' death were believed to have been caused by malfunctioning ventilators.
On Jan 27, it was reported that one patient died and another was certified brain dead in two wards at a Klang Valley hospital due to ventilator failure.
This led to investigations being carried out by the ministry and the hospital.
