A Jiangmen man has died after receiving treatment for a sore throat at nearby He Tang Health Center. According to Southern Metropolis Daily, on the evening of October 3^rd, Mr. Chu, a lighting factory worker, complained of a sore throat and shortness of breath. He notified his wife, Ms. Liu, who also worked at the factory, and the two immediately left for the hospital. The attending physician treated Chu with oxygen, intravenous fluids, and an unidentified prescription drug by way of injection. “He had a very sore throat, and was gasping”, said Liu. “We decided to go to the hospital just to be safe.” Approximately two hours after receiving treatment, Chu got up to use the washroom, collapsed, and died.

Shocked at her husband’s sudden death, Liu sought answers from the physician, yet none were forthcoming. She contacted Tan Jun Jin, Vice President of the Health Center, requesting Mr. Chu’s medical records and a list of the medication he was prescribed. However, Tan refused to release any information.

Not to be ignored, Chu escalated the matter, contacting a lawyer, and local media. While the hospital eventually released the records, due to a “clerical error”, the records made no mention of what medication Chu was prescribed.

According to Chu’s lawyer, there are clear inconsistencies with the records, including the time Chu was admitted to the hospital. While Chu was admitted on October 3rd at 22:45, the hospital’s records state an admission time of 23:45. “We suspect that the hospital has tampered with the medical records”, said Chu’s lawyer. The hospital denies any wrongdoing, arguing that when admitting patients, the initial phases of treatment are not recorded.

According to the family, the hospital and Liu have reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount. However what Liu has yet to receive, is an explanation: “He just had a sore throat, and now he’s dead”, she said. The medical center has refused to give any further comment on the matter.