Permanent Secretary for Health, Doctor James Fong says the doctor facing the allegation of unprofessional conduct relating to comments made to a mother after a miscarriage, is undergoing an evaluation and counselling process, and further action will be decided once he gets the report.
This is after a video went viral on social media where a tiktoker on behalf of his friend raised concerns about the doctor for allegedly using absurd words during an examination after her miscarriage.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Delaney Gwillian Wise says she lost her third child due to a miscarriage and was in critical condition after losing a lot of blood.
She says when she was rushed to the Nausori Health Centre, the doctor was rude and chased her husband and 2-year-old son who was also sick and needed an injection and dressing.
Wise also says while the doctors were examining her with the equipment, she flinched as she was scared and in pain.
She says the doctor then asked her why she was flinching and used absurd words to her.
The 25 year old says these are the times when patients need empathy and courage as they are in pain but instead, the doctors are using harsh words towards them.
Some people commenting on the post also stated that this is a usual thing in hospitals where midwives and nurses are rude and harsh with pregnant mothers during their labor and make hurtful comments.
They say the higher authorities need to look into the matter as every day many pregnant women are going through the same issue.
When questioned by fijivillage News, Doctor James Fong says the senior management had a meeting with the patient and family.
He says some issues were resolved and the patient and family were given an explanation on the investigation process.
They are carrying out a comprehensive review and Doctor Fong will be receiving a report soon.
He also states that the alleged incident is an affront to the Ministry of Health’s values and they will ensure a comprehensive response based on the review.
