Polyclinic Screws Up Multiple Times: Gives Wrong Injection, Takes Blood for Nothing

By
Cheryl Tee
-

Touted by many as a world-class medical hub, you would expect Singapore’s healthcare system to be state-of-the-art.

Not housewife Karen Koh.

Over the past few months, the 32-year-old experienced a copious number of errors at Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic, which eventually culminated in her getting the wrong injection.

Here’s a look back at what she went through.

1. Took a blood test for nothing

Back in May, Mdm Koh had gone to the polyclinic to take three blood tests.

After going for lunch after having her blood drawn, she realised that the bill did not reflect the test for cholesterol levels.

She was told by the staff that her blood had not been taken for the test, and had no choice but to return the next day to have her blood drawn again as she had already eaten.

2. Given wrong information, asked to go back to polyclinic again

After filling up a form which would allow her to make payment with her Medisave, Mdm Koh was told by the cashier that it was not needed.

After she got home, she received a call saying the form was needed after all. Mdm Koh refused to make another trip to the polyclinic, and the cashier made arrangements to collect the form from her.

3. Given a typhoid jab instead of a tetanus shot

Here’s the most ridiculous one of the lot – after getting bitten by a stray, Mdm Koh went to the polyclinic for a tetanus shot, but was given one for typhoid instead.

Thankfully, Mdm Koh did not suffer from any side effects from the erroneous vaccination.

Apparently, the nurse “did not check the vaccine before administering it because she had been distracted” and the packaging for both vaccines looked alike.

Despite being an uncommon bacterial infection here, Tetanus can cause locked jaw, and is usually the follow-up protocol after a dog bite. It’s best to get the jab in 24 hours, but is also acceptable within a three-day window.

Ultimately, Mdm Koh did not get a tetanus shot.

Upon asking for a refund, she received a refund this week of only $25 for the injection, but not the $12.60 consultation fee.

Last night, the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) said it will “refund the full consultation fees as an act of goodwill, even though consultation services had been provided and the doctor had managed Madam Koh appropriately”.

Goodwill indeed.

Featured Image: YouTube (DS Media TV)

This post was first published on goodyfeed.com

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Cheryl Tee
Email: [email protected]