Diagnostic errors by doctors: Medical malpractice claims lives, revealing four complaint channels to ensure justice. Doctors are lifesavers and the ultimate support for patients. However, in reality, doctors are human and can make mistakes. Yet, "medical errors" often come at a very high price, sometimes meaning lives lost forever, as in the recent tragic case in Ratchaburi Province.
The recent heartbreaking event in July 2026 sparked intense public criticism when "Teacher Sai" posted a call for justice for her 31-year-old husband, a social security insured person who suddenly died.
Her husband experienced sharp pain spreading from his finger to the left chest and excessive sweating lasting weeks—critical heart disease warning signs. At a private hospital in Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi, both the patient and his wife requested an electrocardiogram (EKG) test because he already had high blood lipid levels, a risk factor.
However, the doctor refused the EKG test, diagnosing the patient with "panic/anxiety disorder," implying the wife was overly anxious, and advised them to rest at home. Tragically, that same evening, the husband went into shock and died before their eyes. The autopsy confirmed acute blockage in two coronary arteries.
Initially, the hospital issued a condolence statement, temporarily suspended the doctor involved, and set up a fact-finding committee. Meanwhile, the Medical Council and Social Security Office promptly began investigating medical ethics and treatment standards.
Medical negligence or errors in diagnosis and treatment can be classified into four main types based on patient impact, as follows.
Delayed or Wrong Diagnosis: Doctors overlook critical symptoms, misdiagnose a milder disease, or conduct incomplete tests, causing patients to miss timely and appropriate treatment, leading to worsened conditions or death (as in the Ratchaburi case).
Surgical/Procedural Errors: Mistakes during surgery such as operating on the wrong site, leaving medical instruments inside the body, or unintentionally damaging adjacent organs.
Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong drug type or dosage, or ignoring patient allergy history, causing severe adverse reactions (Anaphylaxis).
Failure to Monitor: Lack of close monitoring of vital signs after treatment or surgery, or neglecting timely referral to specialists.
If patients or relatives suffer from medical errors, they can file complaints to request investigation and compensation through legal channels as follows.
1. Professional ethics complaints (against doctors/personnel)
Channel: Medical Council (or Nursing Council or respective professional council).
Outcome: The committee will investigate whether the doctor met professional standards. If found guilty, disciplinary actions range from warnings and license suspension to license revocation.
2. Complaints about healthcare facility standards (against hospitals)
Channel: Legal Division, Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) for private hospitals/clinics, or the Provincial Public Health Office in the area.
Outcome: Investigation of service systems, equipment readiness, and patient referral procedures to ensure legal standards.
3. Compensation claims (no need to prove fault)
Universal Coverage Scheme (National Health Security): File a claim under "Section 41" at the Provincial Public Health Office or NHSO regional office to receive initial financial aid for medical harm.
Social Security rights: File a complaint through the Social Security Office to inspect contracted hospitals and claim benefits for death or disability, including compensation if hospital negligence is proven.
4. Legal proceedings (civil and criminal)
Criminal case: File charges for "negligent acts causing death or serious injury to another person."
Civil case: Sue for damages or compensation from both the doctor and hospital under consumer protection law, which facilitates easier legal action for consumers.
