A family is in distress after their newborn emerged from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) with noticeable marks on his face, leading them to lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The incident occurred on May 28, when mother and father, identified as Mr. Chua, first saw the alarming red marks on their baby's face shortly after birth. According to Mr. Chua, these markings quickly darkened into bruises.

"While breastfeeding, our baby even vomited with traces of blood! When we sought answers, all we got was vague reassurances that the marks would fade in two to three days," he lamented.

Frustratingly, despite multiple inquiries aimed at hospital staff and health hotlines, the family felt dismissed. "By the time we were discharged, nobody had given us a clear explanation. As parents, we deserve to know why our child suffered severe bruising and whether proper protocols were followed," Mr. Chua expressed.

Even after reaching out to the MOH, Mr. Chua claimed he received no response for two months. "We just want the truth! We want assurance regarding our child's safety and to ensure other parents are spared this heartbreaking ordeal," he insisted.

In response to growing concerns, Associate Professor Suzanna Sulaiman, Head and Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at KKH, acknowledged the family's distress. She empathized with their experience and clarified that the marks on the baby’s face were indeed just superficial.

Professor Sulaiman explained the use of forceps during delivery, emphasizing that it's a common practice employed to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, especially in cases where there’s a risk of a slowed delivery. While this technique can lead to temporary bruising, it is often necessary to prevent more serious complications.

"Our medical team closely monitored the baby, providing daily updates to Mrs. Chua and reassuring her about the healing process. During a follow-up visit, we confirmed the marks were fading, and by the one-month check-up, they had completely resolved," she stated.

The hospital expressed regret that their communication fell short of the family’s expectations. "We remain committed to supporting Mr. Chua and his family, ensuring they feel heard and that their concerns are thoroughly addressed. The assisted delivery was an essential measure for the well-being of both mother and child," she confirmed.

Interestingly, in photos shared by Mr. Chua on June 29, no visible bruises were discernible on the baby's face, suggesting a resolution to the incident.