NAJRAN — A Saudi rushed his three-year-old daughter Hala to Khamis Mushayt Hospital in critical condition after a television set had fallen on her, Al-Watan newspaper reported. Initial diagnosis indicated internal bleeding around her heart. The hospital is not equipped to handle such cases. A Saudi surgeon tried to relieve her condition, and there was marginal improvement. He recommended her transfer to a hospital with a chest surgeon. An urgent fax was sent to Asir Health Affairs and to admit her to a specialized hospital. However, neither the directorate nor the hospital reacted to the case, and she died. Her father is blaming the management of Khamis Mushayt Hospital for not transferring her to the Armed Forces Hospital or to Asir General Hospital. He is demanding an investigation. A Saudi doctor at Khamis Mushayt Hospital said carelessness caused the death of the child. The hospital does not have a chest surgeon despite the large population it serves. Asir Health Affairs spokesman Saeed Al-Near said the directorate did not receive any complaint from the citizen. However, they will investigate the case, and any negligence will be dealt with. — SG
