Boy, 6, dies from the flu, family blames doctors for prescribing meds too late

The family of a six-year-old boy who died late last month after battling a bout of influenza has criticised doctors at a Tsuen Wan hospital for prescribing their son his medication “too late”.

According to Oriental Daily, the boy, surnamed Ho, was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on April 10 with a fever and suspected seizures. Ho’s mother told local news outlets that she immediately asked doctors to prescribe her son flu medication, but her request wasn’t obliged until roughly nine hours after the six-year-old was hospitalised.

The child was given Tamiflu, but was soon transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit at Princess Margaret Hospital after a CAT scan indicated he could be suffering from encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Ho later fell into a coma, and eventually died on April 22 from influenza complicated by encephalitis. 

The Ho family has gone on the record to question why it took so long for doctors at Yan Chai to prescribe their son Tamiflu, and said they are seeking accountability from the Hospital Authority. The Hos are reportedly receiving help from Yuen Long District Councillor Roy Kwong — who is also providing them with legal aid — and will hold a press conference today. 

Related articles:

6-year-old boy’s death prompts call for better flu prevention in schools
 


Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co


 



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on