Woman wins RM400k in suit over botched hysterectomy at govt hospital in Johor
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court in Johor awarded RM400,815.45 in damages to a woman who suffered long-term complications after undergoing a botched surgery to remove her uterus (hysterectomy) at a government hospital in 2018.
The 43-year-old mother sued the government, Hospital Sultan Ismail and several doctors for medical negligence after developing a vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), a condition that causes persistent urine leakage following the surgery.
According to the court document, the woman (plaintiff) underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (TAHBSO), on Dec 24, 2018, to address prolonged uterine bleeding.
TAHBSO is a surgical procedure where the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed through an abdominal incision.
However, the surgery led to a cascade of complications including internal bleeding, severe infection, incontinence, incisional hernia, and depression.
The plaintiff required several follow-up surgeries and was eventually forced to seek treatment in Chennai, Indian in 2020 for corrective treatment, which successfully resolved her condition.
On Dec 8, 2021, the plaintiff filed a writ of summons against the defendants, alleging medical negligence that caused her to suffer serious injuries.
On Dec 1, 2022, the government who was the first defendant in the lawsuit agreed to accept full responsibility for the matter.
Judge Datuk Seri Shamsulbahri Ibrahim said although the medical team had performed the surgery according to standard protocol, they failed to prevent or adequately respond to the post-surgical complications.
"This is a medical negligence case... there is no evidence to show the defendants acted with ill will.
"In fact, they made repeated efforts to treat the plaintiff and manage the complications," he said in his ground of judgment published on the Judiciary website yesterday.
However, the court found that the plaintiff had endured significant pain, humiliation, and emotional distress during her recovery.
The court said the plaintiff endured more than a year of ongoing suffering, which included repeated infections, abdominal pain, urinary leakage through the vagina, loss of sexual intimacy and symptoms of depression.
"I find that a sum of RM300,000 is appropriate to be awarded to the plaintiff for the suffering she endured."
The court also awarded RM35,000 for loss of income, RM9,652 for medical treatment in India, RM9,921 for travel costs, RM6,300 for adult diapers, RM10,000 for an expert report, and RM2,030 for family visits to the hospital.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Media Prima celebrates staff transformation in Weight Loss Challenge 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Berhad (MPB) celebrated the health achievements of its staff today at the prize-giving ceremony for the MPB Weight Loss Challenge 2025 in Balai Berita Bangsar. The three-month programme, held from Jan 14 to April 14, saw 126 employees from various departments and subsidiaries take part in the wellness initiative, aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and building a resilient, energetic workforce. In the male category, Aidi Shamsuddin from the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) emerged as the top winner after shedding 22kg, earning the RM2,000 grand prize, followed by Mohd Shawal Ismail (21.5kg) and Azizulhelmy Mohamad (20.3kg). "It was tough, especially during Hari Raya. I had to control my eating even then, but I managed to reach my target. "I exercised, did strength training, cardio, and watched my diet by increasing protein and cutting carbohydrates," said Aidi. Meanwhile, in the female category, Laila Mohd Zain from the REV Media Group secured first place after losing 16.7kg, followed by Nurul Akmar Razehan Abd Aziz came in second (14.5kg) and Nur Aiza Abd Mutalib third (11.8kg). "The most difficult challenge was the lifestyle change and staying consistent. "It's easy in the first few weeks when you're still excited, but after a month or two, it becomes harder. "Still, my friends and family were really supportive, and that helped me stay motivated," said Laila. Participants were evaluated based on achieving at least a 10 per cent reduction in their starting weight, with the top five in each category receiving cash prizes ranging from RM500 to RM2,000. Mini challenges were also conducted every three weeks between January and March, offering RM200 prizes to the male and female participants who recorded the highest percentage of weight loss in each round. Also present was MPB group chairman Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Aljunid who handed out the prizes to the winners. Programme advisor Dr Rohaya Ramli reminded participants of the bigger picture behind the challenge. "Since 2023, more than half of our population falls into the obesity category. "This is alarming, as obesity is the root cause of many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. "Consistency is key. Health is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Small, steady changes can lead to major improvements over time," said Dr Rohaya. MPB Human Resources Department adviser Nor Arzlin and Dr Rohaya were also recognised for their guidance, encouragement and support throughout the challenge. This challenge marks the sixth time it has been held since 2010 to promote a healthier lifestyle to MPB staff.
Daily Express
9 hours ago
- Daily Express
'Go Healthy with Taiwan' Global Call for Proposals Malaysian Innovators Invited to Co-Create a Healthier World with Taiwan
Published on: Thursday, June 19, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 19, 2025 Text Size: Taiwanese Baseball star An-ko Lin and FuBear, the mascot of Taiwan Excellence, hit home runs during the event. Kuala Lumpur: Taiwan is calling on global partners—including Malaysian institutions and innovators—to join its latest global initiative: 'Go Healthy with Taiwan.' This global call for proposals aims to foster international collaboration by inviting creative project ideas that integrate Taiwan's cutting-edge health technologies and quality solutions. Organized by the International Trade Administration (TITA), Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan, and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the campaign seeks to engage governments, institutions, enterprises, and organizations from around the world to submit innovative proposals. Advertisement The organizers aim to promote sustainable and healthier lifestyles globally— especially in fast-growing markets like Malaysia. Health Meets Innovation The campaign focuses on five key areas where Taiwan holds global leadership: Smart Healthcare Technologies Medical Aesthetics & Wellness Checkups Fitness Equipment Sports Technology Bicycles Taiwan—known as the "Bicycle Kingdom" and a global hub for AI-powered fitness and health tech—is actively seeking international collaborators to co-develop and localize innovative solutions. With Malaysia's growing health, wellness, and smart city sectors, this initiative presents a prime opportunity for bilateral cooperation. Pitching Taiwan's Best – Win USD 30,000! Top 3 proposals will each receive USD 30,000 (approx. RM127,000) and be invited to explore further collaboration with Taiwanese enterprises. The submission deadline is 14 August 2025, and high-quality entries will also receive matchmaking support and exposure on the global stage. A Home Run for Global Health At the campaign launch event in Taipei on June 3, the theme 'Pitching Taiwan's Best: A Home Run for Proposals!' came to life with a baseball-themed setting. Taiwanese baseball star An-Ko Lin and FuBear, the beloved mascot of Taiwan Excellence, hit symbolic 'home runs' to represent Taiwan's proactive approach to global health collaboration. Ms. Susan Hu, Deputy Director General of TITA, emphasized that this campaign is aligned with Taiwan's national goal of building a 'Healthy Taiwan,' while also contributing to international wellness efforts. Mr. Joe Chou, Executive Vice President of TAITRA, noted that Taiwan's worldclass manufacturing, ICT, and R&D capabilities are perfectly positioned to support innovative health solutions worldwide. Join the Movement! Last year's 'Go Green with Taiwan' campaign attracted 396 proposals from 45 countries. This year, Taiwan aims to surpass 500 submissions from all five continents—and hopes to see strong participation from Malaysia's vibrant innovation community. For more information and to submit your proposal, visit:
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
New system cuts down on waiting
Staying patient: Patients and their families waiting for their turn to receive medical treatment at Hospital Sultanah Aminah. The new system will streamline the process. JOHOR BARU: Johor's Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) is set to become the first public hospital in Malaysia to adopt a RM1mil smart queue system (SQS) aimed at reducing patients' waiting time. With the SQS, patients will no longer have to take separate queue numbers at the hospital's specialist clinics and pharmacy department. They can obtain a queue number by scanning a QR code with their smartphone and use the same queue number for their medical needs for the day. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the SQS will begin in phases at HSA's specialist clinics before it is fully implemented by the end of the year. 'HSA sees about 2,000 patients each day, making it one of the busiest hospitals in the country. 'Once the SQS is fully implemented, we will hopefully replicate the system in other hospitals, such as Hospital Sultan Ismail and those in other districts to improve public healthcare delivery,' he said after visiting HSA here yesterday. Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon explained that the SQS was developed to address high patient volume and congestion issues faced by the hospital. 'At present, patients need to take a queue number to see a specialist and then take another number to queue up for their medication, which is time consuming. 'The SQS allows patients to know the number of patients ahead of them via a smartphone app so they can move around or go for tea or toilet breaks without worrying about losing their turn,' he added. At present, Ling said the system is being tested and that some patients have begun using it. Onn Hafiz said the SQS was part of the state's ongoing efforts to address issues faced by the hospital, in addition to upgrading eight wards, toilets and surau facilities. The state is working with non-governmental organisations, which had contributed new hospital beds and mattresses as well as an ambulance. He said that Waqaf An-Nur has stationed a mobile clinic at HSA's entrance to provide additional support for the hospital's emergency and trauma department, which tends to get very busy at night and on weekends. 'They will be assisting HSA five days a week to tend to non-critical or level five cases such as fever or cough, which do not require a specialist doctor's attention. 'I have also directed Ling to station at least two additional doctors a day at the emergency and trauma department on a locum basis. I believe that can be done by next week,' he said. When asked about the proposal for a multi-level carpark, Onn Hafiz said a value assessment study has been completed. 'I understand that funding has been secured and the value assessment has just concluded,' he said. Aside from the current practice of parking within hospital grounds, he said patients have the alternative of parking at a free carpark at Pantai Lido, across the road from the hospital. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM500mil for first phase upgrades of the hospital on Sept 4, 2023. Among the proposed upgrades include the construction of a polyclinic and multi-storey car park to address hospital congestion.
