Investigation team set up after DPM's son-in-law's death - Witness

The Sessions Court here was today told that an investigation team was set up immediately to investigate the Imperial Dental Specialist Centre Sdn Bhd following the death of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's son-in-law during treatment on June 1, last year.

Principal Assistant Director at the Health Minister's Office Dr Mohamed Ahsan Mohamed Ismail said he received the instruction to set up the team after being informed about the incident by the head of complaint unit of the Health Ministry's Putrajaya Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS) Dr Siti Zufina Abd Samah.

Dr Mohamed Ahsan, who was then the Principal Assistant Director of Putrajaya CKAPS, said the team was set up on June 2 to investigate the death of Datuk Syed Alman Zain Syed Alwi while seeking dental treatment at the company's premises.

"The team comprises 13 members, five of whom are from Putrajaya CKAPS, seven from the Kuala Lumpur Private Medical Practice Control Unit (UKAPS), and one dental surgery specialist from the Sungai Buloh Hospital," he said during the examination-in-chief by deputy public prosecutor Jaizah Sidek on the first day of the trial involving the company charged with nine counts relating to Syed Alman Zain's death.

He said the investigation team was divided into Group A, B and C, with Group A tasked with interviewing the company's staff involved during the mishap, while Group B inspecting all equipment and emergency treatment drug used on the patient.

"Group C is responsible of inspecting the floor plan of the company premises as submitted during the licence application. We went to the premises right after the briefing about the investigation," said Dr Mohamed Ahsan who led Group A.

The witness said when they arrived at the premises, he and his group members were introduced to the company director Datin Dr Wong Yen Ling (also known as Datin Dr Alice Wong), while waiting for its another director Datuk Dr How Kim Chuan.

"We began our investigation at 1.35 pm and ended it at 4.30 pm. I also asked for several important documents related to the patient, including his medical record, as well as his surgery and anesthesia consent forms, from the staff at the premises, Dr Arlena Philip Lee," he said.

On Aug 12 last year, the company represented by Dr Wong, claimed trial to nine charges related to Syed Alman Zain's death.

Dr Wong, as the licence-holder, was charged with failing to ensure that Dr Ting Teck Chin, who had administered anaesthesia to Syed Alman Zain, had the qualification to do so.

The company 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.

It 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 company 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.

The offences were allegedly committed at the dental specialist centre located at Lot 62 & 64, Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, Brickfields here, between 6 pm and 9.05 pm, 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.

The two other 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.

The trial before Judge Harmi Thamri Mohamad @ Shaharuddin continues tomorrow.

The company is represented by lawyer Sreekant Pillai. - BERNAMA