KOTA KINABALU: A probe by an independent committee found that a misunderstanding between Beluran’s Nangoh health clinic staff and family members of a Covid-19 patient resulted in a viral Facebook post about the clinic's service.

       The Sabah Health Department said in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 3) that the committee was formed to investigate the Oct 30 post in which a woman vented about how the clinic staff dealt with her 87-year-old father’s case.

       “The investigation, which included the staff and family of the complainant, found there was a misunderstanding between both sides (over) how the case was handled.

       “No rude treatment or harsh words came from the staff on duty, and this has been confirmed by the members of the family.

       “The patient was taken to the health facility using a four-wheel drive with the cooperation of the Nangoh health clinic and Beluran health office,” it said.

       The department expressed its commitment to improve the quality of service at health facilities statewide, and reminded members of the public to forward their complaints through proper channels so that checks can be carried out.

       In her post last week, the Facebook user named Anna Tomulok said her elderly father was brought to the clinic by her older brother in the morning.

       Her father tested positive, but was asked to return in the evening to have his vital signs checked.

       The complainant asked why they did not do that on the spot, because her father was unable to walk and could not see clearly, and their house was 22km from the clinic.

       She claimed that a worker at the clinic was angry when they did not turn up in the evening, even when she explained that there was no one to help bring her father since everyone else stayed away after knowing he was Covid-19 positive.

       “We asked for an ambulance to come but the worker claimed the clinic ambulance could not enter our village due to the bad road,” she said, adding that this was the worst service she had ever encountered where medical staff shouted at people.

       Her post also included a video of two men in personal protective equipment (PPE) carrying her father. She claimed they were from Beluran Hospital, which sent an ambulance.

       In another post on Monday (Nov 1), she said she received calls from parties investigating the matter, and thanked them for being willing to listen.

       “Deep down in my heart, I am not proud of the viralled message about my father, but I do not know how else to raise our plight so that people know the burdens of an old man with ailments, in trying to get treatment from a government facility.

       “I am a former nurse myself and am surprised at how they treated people and at their lack of compassion,” she added, describing her voice as representing all villagers who had been ignored and were disappointed with the bad service.