Late local actress Alice Ho, best known for her role as Bean Sprouts Auntie (Dou Ya Sao) in 2003 Mediacorp drama Holland V, passed away in 2023 at the age of 72.

It was recently revealed that her family has concerns about the medical process and circumstances surrounding her death and launched a coroner’s inquiry on Monday (Jul 28).

In 2023, it was reported that she died from a severe bacterial infection after undergoing surgery for uterine prolapse.

Although the official cause of death has not been disputed, the State Coroner said the inquiry was launched due to unresolved questions surrounding her medical care.

Her family members were present during the hearing.

The inquiry, which is still ongoing will include testimony from an investigating officer and seven doctors.

For now, the investigation uncovered that Alice had sought treatment for urinary issues at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on April 26, 2023.

Her attending physician then presented several treatment options and was asked to discuss them with her family.

Alice returned a month later, saying that she had been troubled by the condition for over a decade and wanted to proceed with surgery.

The operation was scheduled for July 6 and reportedly went smoothly.

Alice even discussed discharge plans with the doctor who visited the ward during breakfast the following day.

However, her condition suddenly worsened that evening when she developed a fever. After a CT scan, Alice was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Doctors were unable to identify the source of infection, and a second surgery was performed to investigate.

While pus was found in her abdominal cavity, no visible wounds or internal damage were detected, and Alice remained under observation for two days and was treated with antibiotics.

She passed away on July 9.

An autopsy concluded that her death was caused by sepsis and peritonitis caused by E. coli translocation in the gut, following a hysterectomy and pelvic floor repair surgery.

Photos: 8world