Segamat, Johor: A mother’s tears tell a story of anguish as her newborn baby remains hospitalized for over two months, battling a rare and life-threatening condition. Despite her persistent pleas for better medical care, the family faces delays attributed to a lack of specialized doctors at Hospital Segamat.
Puvaneswari A/P Raja, 25, is a mother of two, with her youngest child being diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder affecting the lungs and heart. Since birth on October 9, 2024, the baby has suffered persistent respiratory distress and has been dependent on medical support.
“I have done everything a mother can do. From speaking to doctors to involving the local YB and even reaching out to the Chief Minister. Yet, my baby is still struggling for life in the same hospital,” Puvaneswari shared through tears.
The mother expressed frustration over repeated explanations from the hospital that the facility lacks the required pediatric specialists to provide comprehensive care. While some improvement was noted after political intervention, progress remains slow.
“This is my second child. My first is just five years old and doesn’t understand why his sibling can’t come home. Every day is filled with questions I don’t have answers to,” she added.
A Cry for Specialist Help
The baby’s condition requires urgent intervention from a team of pediatric cardiologists and pulmonologists, typically available only at tertiary centers like Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Bahru or the National Heart Institute (IJN).
Medical experts emphasize that delays in transferring such cases can have severe consequences, particularly for conditions as critical as Scimitar Syndrome.
Nationwide Healthcare Concerns
The case has sparked broader concerns about the Ministry of Health’s (KKM) allocation of resources and staffing shortages in district hospitals. Critics are urging the government to take immediate action to address the systemic gaps that leave vulnerable patients without timely care.
A Mother’s Hope
Despite her grief, Puvaneswari remains hopeful that her baby will receive the necessary care before it’s too late.
“To every mother out there, don’t stop fighting for your child. They deserve a chance to live, just like everyone else,” she said.
This heartbreaking story shines a light on the urgent need for healthcare reform to ensure that no parent has to endure the pain of watching their child fight for survival without adequate medical support.