The father of Nong Ufa, a 1-year-old child whose index finger was severed, met with the Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office and the director of Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital to discuss initial compensation. He also revealed that his son's condition is steadily improving. Meanwhile, the assistant nurse involved has been suspended and an investigation committee has been formed.
At 11:00 a.m. on 17 Sep 2016, Mr. Weeraphong Khiewuan, 34, father of 1-year-old Nong Ufa, arrived with relatives to meet Dr. Pathompong Pruproeng, director of the Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office, and the director of Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital to discuss assistance, compensation, and the initial rights the family would receive.
The incident occurred when an assistant nurse used scissors to cut gauze wrapped around a syringe needle on Nong Ufa's hand but accidentally cut the child's index finger, severing it. This happened at Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital in Yasothon on 11 Sep 2016. The child was then transferred to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani for surgery to reattach the finger. Nong Ufa is currently hospitalized and under observation there.
Today's negotiation was the first meeting between the hospital and the injured child's party since the incident. Dr. Pathompong expressed regret over the event and assured the father that Nong Ufa would receive the best possible care. Coordination with Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital has been ongoing, and current information shows improving blood circulation and healing of the child's finger. The process of compensation under Section 41 of the Health Insurance Act was explained. The hospital and the Yasothon Health Insurance group have been assigned to handle this matter promptly. The father was also told he could contact Dr. Pathompong and the hospital director directly with any concerns.
Regarding the father's concerns about the full recovery of his son's finger, Dr. Pathompong assured that continuous care will be provided until the condition is satisfactory. Rehabilitation to restore the finger's function will take time, but the hospital will maintain ongoing care to achieve the best possible outcome.
The director of Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital apologized to the father and family, promising to improve hospital services, especially communication and staff behavior toward patients and relatives. Regarding the family's financial concerns during the child's hospitalization—since the father was unable to work and lost income—Dr. Pathompong assigned the hospital to coordinate with a mediation team to consider providing financial assistance for this period.
Concerning the responsible party, Dr. Pathompong said the assistant nurse feels deeply sorry and anxious about the incident. The nurse has been suspended, and a committee has been established to investigate the facts. The investigation is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which appropriate procedures will follow.
Dr. Pathompong Pruproeng, director of the Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office, expressed his condolences and apologized for the incident. After it occurred, Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital and the Yasothon health office acted promptly to provide full medical care and urgently transferred Nong Ufa to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani. There, specialized doctors performed surgery to reattach the child's finger, and he remains under observation at that hospital.
Nong Ufa's condition is progressively improving. The hospital has placed him in a private room for the convenience of his guardians and relatives. Somdej Phra Yuparat Loeng Nok Tha Hospital will cover all medical expenses. Compensation will follow Section 41 of the Health Insurance Act. The Yasothon Provincial Public Health Office will oversee hospital services throughout Yasothon Province to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety and confidence of patients.
Mr. Weeraphong Khiewuan, the child's father, said he came to meet Dr. Pathompong to negotiate the initial rights his family would receive. Dr. Pathompong informed him about these rights. However, he has not yet requested compensation, preferring to wait until his son's condition fully improves before further discussions. He is somewhat satisfied that Nong Ufa is improving, eating, and drinking well.
Regarding legal action against the responsible party, Pol. Col. Songop Pimmlai, superintendent of Loeng Nok Tha Police Station, reported that no statement has yet been taken from the victim's side because they have not come forward to give testimony. After the complaint was filed, investigators cannot summon the responsible individual for charges until the victim's testimony is received.