Following a malpractice complaint filed yesterday alleging a local doctor caused a sick man to become severely ill and immobile, an investigation by provincial health officials found both parties to be at fault.

Sek Sarith, 54, visited the Suor Sdey Clinic in Banteay Meanchey on April 10 with symptoms of vomiting and dizziness, but a week after being treated, his legs became so swollen he could not walk, said his brother, Sek Thirith.

He was then taken to the Sisophon town referral hospital, where doctors said he “took the wrong drugs”, Thirith said.

The victim is seeking $900 in compensation.

But an investigation yesterday found the patient had Hepatitis B and high blood pressure, which the doctor, Prak Bunhai, was aware of and treated appropriately, said Tes Samun, deputy director of the provincial health department. Unfortunately, however, the patient had an unforeseen allergic reaction.

“I helped him, but he filed the complaint against me instead,” said Bunhai, who believes the patient will regain the use of his legs.

Samun said that Sarith’s condition had improved but he has yet to walk.