IPOH: The state government is seeking an amicable solution over a case involving a woman who was denied entry to the Kampar Hospital due to her attire.
State Human Resources, Health and Indian Community Affairs Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said he would meet the Kampar Hospital staff and the young woman.
He said when the 20-year-old woman turned up at the hospital's emergency unit at 11pm last Sunday, the person in charge said she had improper attire.
"The person went inside to get proper attire for the woman, and when she came out with it, the woman was no longer there.
"When the woman turned up again at 1am with a stomachache, those at the hospital immediately treated her," he told the New Straits Times.
Sivanesan said this in response to an allegation that went viral on social media involving a woman seeking treatment at the Kampar Hospital was asked to go home and change her clothes by an officer on duty, as she was wearing shorts.
Sivanesan said the hospital was still investigating the case and that statements from the staff and the woman would also be taken.
He added that the state government was taking the matter seriously as it involved the hospital rendering services to those seeking treatment.
"Speculations are spreading, and people say that the hospital is very mean. One should refrain from making any speculation.
"We need to take statements from both sides before I can get into the next course of action."
To those who asked him if the hospital would attend to a woman wearing swimming attire who had a heart attack, Sivanesan said: "Of course, the hospital would not be that mean not to attend to her. If they don't attend to her because of her attire and something worse happens, the hospital could be sued for negligence."
Sivanesan added that hospitals should put up a notice on the dress code, similar to what Serdang Hospital in Selangor had done.
"My daughter went to Serdang Hospital and told me there was such a notice there. Everyone needs to oblige. The dress code applies not only to the patients, but to visitors as well."