Ministry fails to attend court case

The lawsuit stemmed from the death of 17-year-old Manita Sae Jeung, who succumbed to kidney failure and lung oedema in October 2006 while receiving treatment for dengue fever.

Her mother, Praiwan Tagangi, has accused Bang Yai Hospital in Nonthaburi of reckless treatment leading to Manita's death.

According to Praiwan, Manita developed high fever after she visited her younger brother and a nephew who were suffering from dengue fever at Bang Yai Hospital on October 24, 2006.

"But when she visited this same hospital for medical treatment under the Bt30-per-medical-visit scheme, she was diagnosed as having flu," Praiwan said.

Manita visited the hospital again and was finally admitted for having dengue fever.

At Bang Yai Hospital, Manita's condition worsened so much she was referred to Phra Nang Klao Hospital. But its intensive care units were full when she arrived.

By then, Praiwan decided to rush her daughter to Nonthavej Hospital, where Manita later died.

Following the girl's death, the Public Health Ministry gave Bt120,000 compensation to Praiwan.

"Because I had to pay a huge medical bill at Nonthavej Hospital, I asked for Bt80,000 more, but all I got was a satirical comment. That's why I have decided to sue the Public Health Ministry," the mother said.

Praiwan said if she won the case, she would give some of the compensation to medical schools so they could produce better and more ethical doctors.

The Nation