Family Alleges Malpractice Death at Rangoon Clinic

By ARKAR MOE, The Irrawaddy, January 8, 2010.

A 59-year-old woman, Kyi Lay, died while undergoing a hip operation at Aung Yadana Medical Center in Rangoon on Jan. 5. The family told local media that they believe the death was a result of malpractice.

Speaking to The Irrawaddy on Friday, the deceased's daughter, Aye Aye Thaw, said, "My mother slipped and broke her hand and hip on Dec. 23. She was taken to Aung Yadana Medical Center in Thinganggun Township for treatment. She had to return again on Monday."

She said that her mother was sent to Asia Royal Cardiac and Medical Care Center for diagnosis because there were no cardiac machines in Aung Yadana Medical Center. Kyi Lay was healthy and had no record of heart problems, she said, adding that her mother was operated on by Dr. Myint Swe and passed away in the operating room.

She said that the family had informed the media but did not expect compensation from the clinic. However, she said they intend to report the case to the medical council.

When the clinic in question was contacted by The Irrawaddy, nobody would comment.

Kyi Lay's nephew told The Irrawaddy: "The medical superintendent, the director and Dr. Myint Swe apologized. Moreover, they helped us and showed support.”

Since Burma came under one-party socialist-military rule in 1962, private hospitals have been prohibited. Only private "specialized" or general clinics were permitted. Under a new 2007 law, private hospitals can now legally provide health care services.

Dr. Win Shein, a vice-chairperson (2) of Myanmar Medical Association (Mandalay) told The Irrawaddy on Friday, “The main problem is the medical profession is geared toward a market economy. However, the lack of medical skill and technology is evident. There is also a dreadful lack of medical ethics in Burma.

“Most Burmese people greatly respected physicians a long time ago," he said."They depended on doctors to take care of them. But the doctors of today must learn to regard patients as human beings, and respect and understand their sentiments and problems.”

Burma's notorious censorship board, the Press Scrutiny and Registration Division, has cracked down recently on the publication of stories about social issues in Burma. The latest round of censorship follows a flurry of articles about the death of a student, Khine Shunn Leh Yee, 15, who died as a result of a surgeon's malpractice in a private Rangoon clinic in October.

Health Ministry statistics say the government spends 849 kyat [US $0.80] for every citizen annually. According to the World Health Organization, in 2003 the total health services expenditure by the government and private citizens as a percentage of GDP was estimated at 2.8 percent.

A ministry official said the ratio of hospital beds to population is 62 beds per 100,000 people. The government has a goal of 75 beds per 100,000 people in 2010, the official said.