TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of Taipei's health department, Chen Yen-yuan, praised the medical team's efforts and the hospital's quick response at a press conference on Friday (March 29).
This follows allegations of medical negligence at a hospital treating victims of a suspected mass food poisoning incident at the vegetarian restaurant Polam Kopitiam in Xinyi District's Far Eastern A13 department store.
Family members of the deceased have questioned the hospital's treatment and are considering legal action. Chen stated that inter-departmental teams have immediately intervened to provide support to the bereaved families.
He explained that the patient at Mackay Memorial Hospital had already stopped breathing and had no heartbeat upon arrival. The hospital successfully resuscitated the patient, but their condition was severe. After 12 hours, the patient's heart and breathing stopped again.
Chen believes that Mackay Memorial Hospital worked hard throughout the process and there should be no medical negligence. He admitted that determining food poisoning was challenging due to the lack of similar cases in Taiwan and the data available at the time.
Dr. Yen Tzung-hai, a physician at the meeting, stated that Mackay Hospital used the best medication and provided diligent care without any delay.