Hospital slip up swaps newborns, father demands 200,000 baht
A shocking incident of baby swapping at a hospital left a father devastated after discovering his newborn daughter had been switched with another baby. The hospital has admitted to the mistake, corrected its actions and has since scheduled a meeting to discuss compensation for the families involved.
The father initially noticed the issue when his newborn daughter’s appearance seemed different after she was separated from the mother for medical reasons. The baby, who had been taken to the intensive care unit due to fast breathing, looked different from the photos taken before the hospital discharge.
This prompted the father to demand blood and DNA tests, revealing that his daughter had indeed been swapped with a Burmese baby. The hospital has since issued an apology and offered special medical care rights.
The incident’s details emerged yesterday, September 15, when the incident was reported on social media. The advisor to the Minister of Public Health, Thanakrit Jittareeyarat, confirmed the hospital’s error. The provincial public health officer of Samut Sakhon had already reported the matter, acknowledging it as a significant mistake.
The hospital suspects the mix-up occurred during a routine examination. Today, the hospital arranged a meeting with the parents to discuss compensation, with the father demanding 200,000 baht in compensation to be shared with the Burmese family.
This incident sparked outrage and concern about hospital procedures and patient safety. The hospital has apologised and promised to improve its protocols to prevent such errors in the future. The father’s distress over the situation highlights the severe emotional toll such mistakes can take on families.
The scheduled meeting today aims to address the compensation and ensure both families receive the support they need. The hospital’s acknowledgement of the mistake and willingness to discuss compensation is a step towards resolution, but the emotional impact on the families involved remains significant, reported KhaoSod.
