The Office of The Ombudsman announced on Wednesday the launch of a full investigation into the procedure of handling healthcare complaints in the city.
The probe follows a 15-year delay regarding an initial complaint made by a mainland couple whose newborn son suffered from cerebral palsy and quadriplegia after a pediatrician at Baptist Hospital failed to perform a Group B Streptococcus screening.
Despite the family's initial complaint in 2010, the disciplinary hearing against pediatrician Sit Sou-chi was postponed since 2016 and was ultimately terminated during last month’s meeting.
However, the Medical Council has since announced plans to review its decision, with a new hearing scheduled for later this month.
The Ombudsman, Jack Chan Jick-chi, expressed deep concern over recent reports highlighting the unexplained 15-year delay by the Medical Council, stating the administration's handling of public complaints regarding healthcare incidents significantly impacts the sector’s development, professionalism, and overall public health and safety.
As the 15-year incident reflects severe delays or potential failures over the administrative support from the Boards and Councils Office, Chan indicated a full investigation will be launched to review the procedures and mechanisms employed by the Secretariat in the handling of healthcare incident complaints and registration of healthcare professionals.
To identify systemic inadequacies and offer recommendations for improvement, Chan emphasized that a series of in-depth investigations into the Department of Health's regulatory role and responsibilities in overseeing the healthcare sector's handling of healthcare complaints will be undertaken.
Additionally, they will also look into the support and effectiveness provided by the relevant offices in managing these complaints.
