Kedah Health Department to probe baby mix-up case

The Kedah Health Department will be instructed to investigate further into the mix-up of the two newborns in a private medical centre in Jitra, said state Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Leong Yong Kong.

These include monitoring the records and operating procedures at the medical centre, to avoid similar cases recurring, he said.

"We'll do a preliminary investigation and after that we'll see what is the role and jurisdiction that we can play before taking any action," he told Bernama today.

In the incident on Tuesday, a couple were told that their newborn was accidentally swapped with another infant five hours after they brought the baby home.

Leong said even though the case had been considered solved after the babies were switched back, the shocking mistake must be taken seriously.

"If they washed their hands of this, it is not good, because this is the negligence of the medical centre. Although they've apologised, action must be taken," he said.

Meanwhile, Kedah Health Director Datuk Norhizan Ismail said the Health Ministry would issue a statement regarding the matter soon.