GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry is awaiting the outcome of the Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) investigation into the 'baby in freezer' case.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he expected to receive the report from CKAPS soon before presenting it at the next post-cabinet meeting.
"Firstly, we extend our sympathies to the family involved.
"And I am currently awaiting the outcome of an investigation by CKAPS.
"The time frame is always before the next post-cabinet meeting.
"I hope to get a heads up or an update on the outcome of the probe before presenting it at the next post-cabinet meeting," he told reporters after the launch of the 1st Malaysia Community First Responder conference.
On Wednesday, Dr Dzulkefly said CKAPS had began an investigation into claims that a private hospital stored a newborn's body in a freezer for two weeks.
He had advised the public to remain calm and wait for the facts before making any presumptions on the case.
The issue came to light after the founder of a non-governmental organisation claimed that the baby's remains were prevented from leaving the hospital after the father couldn't afford to pay the bill.
The baby was placed in the freezer for two weeks until the father managed to pay the bill.
According to the founder, the baby was buried in the Muslim cemetery in Selat Klang on Dec 9.
The hospital in question, Hospital Bersalin Razif (HBR), had in a statement, said it did not prevent the baby from being released for burial.
It said its doctors informed the baby's father to make burial arrangements the following day.
The hospital also said the mother was told she could bury the baby before settling the bill.
HBR claimed that the mother was admitted on humanitarian grounds due to severe labour pain despite being unbooked, unscreened, and lacking antenatal care.
Asked on the ministry's action to monitor private health facilities to prevent a recurrence of similar, Dr Dzulkefly said the monitoring of private health facilities came under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
"But this is a rather unique case in terms of its background and such.
"Let's wait for the real outcome, and rest assured, the investigation will be conducted fairly," he added.