Feb 21 trial for dental centre implicated in death of DPM's son-in-law

The trial for Imperial Dental Specialist Centre Sdn Bhd which is charged with involvement in the death of Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's son-in-law has been set for five days from Feb 21, 2017.

Sessions Court judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad@ Shaharuddin set the date after deputy public prosecutor Jaizah Jaafar Sidek informed the court that the relevant documents had been handed to the defence.

On Aug 12, the dental centre represented by its company director Dr Wong Yen Ling claimed trial to nine charges related to Syed Alman Zain's death.

Dr Wong allegedly failed to ensure that Dr Ting Teck Chin who had administered anaesthesia to Syed Alman Zain had the qualification to do so.

The clinic is also accused of failing to ensure that the individuals it engaged to perform orthopantomogram, anaesthesia and IV sedation on Syed Alman Zain had the necessary qualifications.

The premises also stand accused of failing to put in place life-saving measures by not providing oxygen as a basic emergency care service as well as failing to submit to University Malaya Medical Centre, a copy of all of Syed Alman Zain's medical records when he was transferred there.

The clinic is also charged with failing to keep and maintain a staff register record, adhere to medicine labelling regulations and take adequate measures to protect its professional healthcare and environment staff from biological hazards.

It is also accused of function expansion which affected its standard of service by administering anaesthesia to Syed Alman Zain without the approval of the Health director-general.

The clinic is also accused of using the premises in violation of its licence by administering anaesthesia on Syed Alman Zain.

The offences were allegedly committed at the clinic at Lot 62 & 64, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, Brickfields here, between 6pm and 9.05pm, between May 26 and June 2.

Seven of the charges are under Section 31(4), 39(2), 40(4) and 117(2)(b)(i) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998, which provides for a fine of between RM30,000 and RM300,000, on conviction.

Two of the charges are under Regulation 49(7) and 245(6) of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (Private Hospitals and Other Private Healthcare Facilities) Regulations 2006, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000 or three months imprisonment or both, on conviction. -- BERNAMA