Ever since the incident when a Malaysian woman was denied entry into a police station over her attire, many cases regarding staff refusing service over dress code continue to emerge. The most recent case was a woman claiming to have been denied treatment at the Emergency Room in Hospital Kampar because she was wearing shorts on the premise.
These incidents have then led netizens into heated online debates, with some pointing out the role of emergency wards in treating patients regardless of their appearances or attire.
Hospital Kampar announces that they had taken action against the medical officer involved
On 15 February, the Perak State Health Department issued an official statement by Hospital Kampar’s director, Dr Khairul Azha Azam, on Facebook to shed light on the case. According to their account of the ordeal, the female patient arrived at the hospital’s emergency ward at around 12:00 am on 13 February due to some stomach pains.
Upon arrival, the medical officer in charge evaluated her symptoms and determined that her vital signs are stable. However, the officer commented on the patient’s improper attire and went into the emergency unit to get some clothing for her.
Before the officer was able to pass the clothing over to her, the woman left the premise and informed another staff member that she will receive treatment at a private clinic. At around 1:00 am, she eventually returned to the hospital with her friends.
“The patient registered herself, received treatment from the doctor on duty, and has been discharged.”
The statement clarifies that the authorities have taken action on this case to ensure that it will not happen again. Additionally, they also refuted claims that hospital staff have ever been instructed to deny entry or treatment to any patient who did not adhere to any dress code requirements.
As for the implicated staff member, the hospital director confirms that she has since been reprimanded and that her actions will not be repeated again.
“All patients regardless of any condition are accepted for treatment, especially during emergency hours. Also, we have informed all members of staff that they are to treat all patients no matter what they wear and without discrimination,” the statement read.
Here’s to hoping that such incidents will not see a repeat in the future!
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