Social Security Probes Hospital Care After Patient Dies Without EKG Test
Social Security is investigating a private hospital in Ratchaburi after a patient with chest pain died following a denied EKG test, prompting the hospital to suspend the treating physician and launch its own review.
The Social Security Office (SSO) is investigating medical care standards in the case of a patient with chest pain who was refused an EKG test and subsequently died. The patient's widow posted on social media demanding justice for her husband, who died after treatment at a private hospital in Ratchaburi province that operates under the Social Security system. She reported her husband experienced radiating chest pain from his fingertips to his left chest and profuse sweating for about a week before going to the hospital.
According to the widow, upon arrival at San Camillo Ban Pong Hospital, a nurse took his history and referred him to the internal medicine department. However, that department asked him to return for blood and cholesterol tests first, then he was redirected to an orthopedics specialist due to his previous tendon injury history. Although the patient insisted his current symptoms were different and suspected a heart condition—given his high cholesterol risk factor—the orthopedist recommended he see an internist. When he met with a general practitioner, no heart auscultation was performed and he was denied the requested EKG test.
San Camillo Ban Pong Hospital established an investigation committee and suspended the treating physician. On July 18, the hospital issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming it has appointed a fact-finding committee with relevant experts to review all medical processes with transparency and fairness. The hospital suspended the treating doctor pending completion of the investigation.
Niyada Senimanomay, Deputy Secretary-General of the Social Security Office and SSO spokesperson, stated that the Medical Service System Administration is reviewing the hospital's service standards. She emphasized that diagnosis and treatment for coronary artery disease is already a covered benefit, and emergency cases can receive treatment without co-payment for the first 72 hours under all three health fund schemes: Social Security Fund, Universal Health Coverage (Gold Card), and civil servant medical benefits. The SSO expressed sympathy to the deceased's family and affirmed it will investigate whether the treatment met professional standards and contractual requirements.
