Hospital disputes claim of holding baby in morgue over unpaid bills

Hospital Bersalin Razif (HBR) in Klang, Selangor, has refuted allegations circulating on social media that it held a baby’s corpse in a freezer for two weeks because the parents failed to settle their bill.

In its statement, HBR clarified that the patient in question arrived at the hospital in labour, claiming it was her first pregnancy and having undergone no antenatal checkups.

The hospital explained that the patient was brought in by her “husband”, who she later revealed was not her spouse. Despite being unbooked and unscreened, HBR accepted her on humanitarian grounds.

The woman delivered her baby shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The baby, born with Cyclops syndrome, with one eye, and without a nose and anus, passed away shortly after birth despite medical intervention.

HBR said the burial permit was signed, and the “husband” was asked to arrange the burial the following day.

However, according to the hospital, the “husband” left the premises and did not claim the corpse. The mother informed the hospital the next day that she could not settle the bill of RM2,480 and claimed the “husband” was responsible for arranging the burial.

“On the next day, she informed that she was not able to settle the total bill of RM2,480. She was then informed that she can arrange the burial first before paying the bill.

“Later she said her “husband” will be arranging the burial. So HBR waited for him to take the baby for burial.”

Days passed with no progress and repeated attempts by the hospital to resolve the matter, including contacting family members, failed as the woman refused to provide their details.

“The ‘husband’ came to visit her for a few minutes once in two to three days. Attempts to talk to him about the burial failed.”

HBR emphasised that the mother was treated well during her stay, receiving counselling and free meals while discussions regarding the burial arrangements continued.

“HBR management discussed with the patient to get the police to help to settle the burial but she pleaded not to get the police involved. She kept saying that all decision would be from her ‘husband’.

“HBR tried to get family contacts but she refused to give to anyone. She claimed that she lives in a rented room with her ‘husband’. She does not have any relatives or friends nearby.”

The hospital reiterated its commitment to transparency and compliance with all regulations.

Govt is probing

Addressing the issue, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that the Private Medical Practice Control Section is investigating the case and its officers have visited the hospital.

In a press conference at Parliament today, the Kuala Selangor MP said he is still waiting for the full report before deciding the next step.

“I want all of us to handle this issue with kindness and empathy.

“It’s not easy, there are allegations out there, so I believe we can be patient to get the real facts before we make assumptions that we will regret later,” he said.

Opposition condemns incident

Earlier today, the incident drew widespread condemnation, with several opposition MPs criticising the hospital’s actions. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal urged the Health Ministry to investigate the matter.

“This should not happen in a resource-rich country. How could the hospital allow this to happen to a baby?” he said during a press conference at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Fayhsal demanded the government take swift action to investigate and ensure the hospital or any responsible parties face disciplinary or legal consequences if wrongdoing is found.

Selangor state executive councillor for Women and Family Empowerment, Welfare, and Care Economy, Anfaal Saari, also weighed in, condemning the alleged actions and promising to contact relevant parties to gather more information.

The case has sparked outrage, with calls for systemic changes to ensure such incidents do not recur.

According to Sinar Harian, the baby’s body was eventually laid to rest at a cemetery in Selangor on Monday.

The incident went viral on social media on Tuesday after the founder of the Special Funeral Van Unit (UKVJ) “Mr Wan Cai Official” shared the story on their Facebook account.

Wan Cai reportedly revealed that his team faced challenges handling the baby’s remains, which were completely frozen.

“We had to use warm water mixed with tap water to soften the body and joints of the little angel,” he explained.

Sinar Harian also reported Wan Cai claiming the mother was detained and not allowed to leave the ward until the bill was fully settled.

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