NIEM confirms critical patients

The confirmation came in relation to the new policy issued by NIEM and the Public Health Ministry, which aims to prevent unnecessary disability and death of patients. The six conditions that can be immediately treated are: 

- No heartbeat, no breathing or patient being unresponsive; 

- Acute anomaly in patient’s awareness of time, place and the near and dear; 

- Respiratory problems, including breathing abnormally fast, hard or making strange noises; being unable to speak; choking and turning blue; 

- Displaying at least two symptoms of problematic blood circulation – becoming cold and pale, excessive sweating or fainting; 

- Tears in an organ causing excessive bleeding with a risk of disability; 

- Other life-threatening symptoms such as severe chest pain, acute limping and seizures;

Anucha said there had been several problems in implementing the policy, such as people being afraid to seek treatment at private hospitals out of fear of high costs, while several hospitals were unclear about the definition of a “critical emergency patient” and hence refused treatment. NIEM and the Public Health Ministry recently discussed ways of ensuring each person’s right to access emergency services and came up with the following guidelines: 

- Clear definition of the term “critical emergency patient”; 

- A medical team would be stationed at the NIEM to help clarify symptoms in case a conflict arises; 

- A working team will be set up to coordinate with and advise private hospitals about the policy and solve any conflicts or problems.

Anucha said when people seek medical attention they will be examined to see if their symptoms fit the definition of “critical”. This way, lives can be saved without people having to worry about medical bills. If there are doubts about a patient’s condition, cases can be forwarded to the medical team stationed at the NIEM, he said, adding that this procedure would be fast. 

Patients not deemed to be “critical” can still call the 1669 hotline for advice and they will be referred to appropriate treatment as per their healthcare packages, he added.