Category: Sosial

Patient: Clinic Supplying Cough Syrups To Addicts

Recently, Jason sat in a doctor’s office and was given an examination.

He told the doctor about his bad cough.

When Jason (not his real name), a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) student, said that a bottle of cough syrup would help make his cough better, the doctor looked surprised.

Jason, a final-year student at NTU, told The New Paper (TNP): “He thought I needed more. Confused, I said one was enough.”

But it all soon began to make sense for Jason.

Earlier on, while waiting to see the doctor, who runs a clinic in the east, Jason had noticed eight people in the queue ahead of him.

Two looked and sounded genuinely sick, but six men appeared suspicious.

Jason said: “None of the six looked sick. They were not coughing or sniffling. They didn’t even bother to pretend.”

Each of them spent about one minute in the doctor’s office. Yet, they all left with three or four bottles of cough syrup containing codeine in white plastic bags, said Jason.

Said Jason, a first-time patient of the clinic: “As a doctor, I thought he should save people (and) not ruin people’s lives.”

Jason decided to alert TNP, which performed its own investigation recently. (See report below.)

SUPPLIES

The undergrad says his suspicions were confirmed after he asked one of the “patients” why the clinic had sold him so many bottles of cough mixture. The man, who looked to be in his 30s, allegedly told Jason that the clinic was a place where addicts get their “supplies”.

A few days later, Jason “tested” what he learnt from the addict.

After seeing the same doctor, he managed to buy three bottles of cough mixture – each in a 90ml plastic bottle – for $90.

Jason said: “Only one bottle was labelled. And I was given a receipt which did not say what I had paid for.”

‘Cough’ patient gets no receipt, no labels and no explanation

I usually prescribe after a consultation. I usually give smaller bottles in case they want more and don’t need them.

– The clinic’s doctor denying that he had been lax in giving out cough mixture

When The New Paper visited the clinic, we found the doctor’s behaviour suspicious.

Despite the reporter having no cough symptoms, he was given two unlabelled bottles of cough mixture, for which he was charged a hefty $70, without a receipt.

TNP had recently decided to investigate Jason’s claims and visited the clinic armed with an audio recorder and a video camera.

Our aim was to buy cough mixture which contained codeine – a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act – and investigate if the clinic had been lax in dispensing the drug. Only doctors and licensed pharmacists are authorised to dispense cough medicine containing codeine, limiting a patient to 240ml per visit.

BARGAINING

At the counter, I observed a male patient “bargaining” with a female staff member.

The man was later photographed exiting the clinic with three bottles of an unidentified dark-coloured substance which he supposedly paid $70 for.

My consultation with the doctor lasted around three minutes.

I complained of coughing, losing my voice and an itchy nose.

But I never once coughed in his presence. I only spoke in a low voice.

The middle-aged doctor took my temperature and listened to my chest. He did not check my throat.

And then, he asked me the question I was waiting for: “So, what do you want?”

I replied: “Ahh… If you can give me some cough medicine?”

The cheery-sounding doctor said: “Cough medicine, ah?”

I told him I wanted more than a bottle.

The doctor replied: “Okay, all right, ah. (Your) nose a bit wet… Two la, hor? Not too many, hor?”

By prescribing two 90ml bottles of cough syrup, the doctor did not appear to be breaking any medical regulations.

Maybe he was being careful.

After all, he had previously been suspended from his medical practice and fined for professional misconduct. The doctor had failed to exercise due care in the management of patients.

Last Saturday, he denied any wrongdoing when confronted by The New Paper.

He said: “No, it’s not true at all… I usually prescribe after a consultation. I usually give smaller bottles in case they want more and don’t need them.”

But when it came to collecting my medicine during my previous visit, I was surprised at the way it was dispensed.

The same female staff member told me my “medicine” cost $70.

Obviously shocked, I repeated the figure.

She said loudly, pointing to the two 90ml bottles of cough syrup inside a white plastic bag: “Yes! You only want these, right?”

With no choice, I agreed and left the clinic.

I instantly realised I was not given a receipt and the two bottles were not labelled.

She had also failed to explain the side-effects of the drug to me.

I found this strange as the patient before me was given a full explanation on his medication and instructions on how much to consume.

When questioned later, the doctor claimed: “All my bottles are labelled. I have to speak to my nurse about that (allegations of unlabelled bottles of cough syrup).”

Source: www.tnp.sg

September 27, 2015
Digital Consultants Helped Six MPs Shine Online In GE2015

It is a job which may not have existed a decade ago, but one now finding increasing currency, particularly among those in the public eye.

Meet digital consultants Natasha Zhao, 29, and Freda Kwok, 27. Among their clients are six People’s Action Party MPs – three of them holding ministerial portfolios including one Senior Minister of State.

This month’s election results were a culmination of a year’s hard work for the MPs who hired them. All six clients were elected. “We worked on their online reputation,” says Ms Zhao. “A good digital engagement plan is best implemented early, during times of peace.”

The MPs identify and recruit residents who support them early on. The digital consultants then advise these advocates on the dos and don’ts of online campaigning.

They use social media monitoring tools to “listen” in on online conversations, then let them know when action is needed. “Part of the battle involves picking the right battlefield. It may not make sense to have supporters go into overly hostile territory,” says Ms Kwok.

Guidelines include having these supporters post replies from a genuine account, maintaining an objective tone, sharing personal experiences and refraining from personal attacks on other netizens.

The tools also determine what type of content resonates with netizens. For instance, posts containing personal thoughts and insights into a candidate’s personal life get up to three times more likes, comments or shares on social media compared to ones on policies.

The consultant might also suggest responses to issues or a cause.

Ultimately, however, the client decides what information goes out.

One candidate, who declines to be named, says residents of all ages follow her on Facebook: “Amid rising expectation from voters and the fact that many may not have time for face-to-face engagement, social media becomes a more important platform for reaching out to these residents.”

Ms Zhao and Ms Kwok, both from QED consulting, decline to reveal how much the MPs paid. Digital consultants can charge up to $150 an hour.

Professor Ang Peng Hwa, an adviser at the Singapore Internet Research Centre, says social media matters can get out of hand: “That some candidates are using consultants shows they are playing it safe. You can’t respond to everything, so you’ll need to be smart about what you reply to, and what you say.”

So how do the other parties handle their social media?

The Workers’ Party declined to be interviewed, while questions sent to the Singapore Democratic Party went unanswered.

People’s Power Party founder Goh Meng Seng says his party does most things on its own. “Our time and resources are limited and our supporters understand that. Our content also feels more authentic.”

Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) chairman Desmond Lim says his party’s efforts include actively monitoring comments on its Facebook page, which is regularly updated. “It is important that comments do not steer mindsets in the wrong direction and dilute the essence of what SDA stands for,” he says.

Some politicians, says Ms Kwok, also rely on help from volunteers, who are not digital professionals but are enthusiastic and savvy about social media use.

“The danger is that sometimes they might not fully understand the complexities and sensitivities involved in digital communications,” she adds.

That is one reason Prof Ang thinks the political dimension on social media here has space to grow, compared to campaigns like US President Barack Obama’s in 2008.

“There was more social media buzz this time round compared to the last election, but nothing really stood out,” he says.

The consultants, however, are optimistic. Says Ms Kwok: “How an item trends on social media will continue to be an important marker in tracking how critical it is.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com

September 27, 2015
Tamil-Hindu Student Felt Real Discrimination And Racism In His Junior College

Post #1:

“I entered the next phase of my life in JC not knowing much about the inequalities and discrimination faced by Singaporeans. I was from an English speaking Christian school and mixing around with other races was not much of an issue. I must also admit that I was from a rather privileged family background.

I am Indian, more specifically a mix of a Tamil and Gujarati heritage, and am born a Hindu. These labels are important as we embrace diversity – not to divide, but to appreciate the rich diversity around us.

In JC, the first thing I noticed as I stepped into my new class was how nearly everyone was speaking in Chinese (Mandarin). Most of the students in my class (and my JC) were from Chinese SAP Schools. I still remember one of the first questions a classmate asked me – “”Are you Malay?””. I do not look Malay in any way, but to him as I later found out, as long as you are lighter skinned, you are Malay – likewise, if you are darker skinned you are definitely Indian.

The acute lack of awareness of other races became more and more apparent as the term progressed. Another one of my classmates (who is from another notable SAP School), did not know what Halal food meant and my exasperated reply to him led me to discover further that he didn’t know that Hindus were not allowed to eat beef. The ignorance only scratched the surface.

A disturbing number of of these SAP school students sang their school songs in Chinese, spoke in Chinese at home, to their friends, and everywhere else. They learnt a lot about China and Confucius teachings. They have an unhealthy obsession and love for China, it’s history and the rise of China as a superpower. The lives were almost entirely sino-centric and failed to appreciate and understand the diversity in our own home, let alone the rest of the world. There I said it. Many people think it, but do not talk about it. On their own, there is nothing wrong with the above. But SAP schools do not equip their students for a further beyond their safe zone of Chinese friends, colleagues, bosses etc. As many Indians can attest to, the discrimination and prejudice faced by Indians in the working world arises partly from the above.

Another of my classmate, who was also Indian (thankfully, ‘cos I wouldn’t have survived alone), was called names such as “”blacky””, the usual “”you’re so dark I can’t see you in the photo””, “”do you get sun burns?””, “”why do you have such curly hair?”” etc. Many of these comments would stun Indians who have never experienced them. For example, this girl has the loveliest hair, was very pretty and had a gorgeous smile. I must admit, I did have a little crush on her when I first met her. Coming from an all-boy school, this was indeed refreshing. On a side note, most of the other classes did not have any Indians. I guess most Indians preferred to head to the other top JC where diversity was not much of an issue (if only I’d known this sooner).

I digress. So, I admired her tenacity and grit as she acted nonchalant, and occasionally defended herself. I mean when 18 students gang up against you, there’s only so much you can say and do. While I never partook in calling her names, I regret not having done more to defend, not just her, but Indians and minorities in general.

Part of the reason I did not was because I did not understand the issues at play. We are taught that there were race riots and that we live in a perfect utopia now, but that utopia cannot be tarnished by discourse. I now know that what she went through (and I) was more than just verbal abuse. It is a systemic bullying that is institutionalised and readily passed on from grandparents to parents, and now their children.

We do not have open and frank conversations about racism and discrimination. For starters, what is racism? Is it just about hating a particular race? I daresay, no! Sadly, many Singaporeans still think that their ignorance is not racism, their lack of trust, stereotypes of other races, are harmless. It is not. These very thought processes have led to the systemic marginalisation, prejudice, discrimination that Indians face later on in their lives (I’m sure Malays face these problems too, if not worse).

So when are we really gonna sit up and get real with ourselves? I watched Viola Davis’ Emmy acceptance speech and was wow-ed. In Singapore though, an Indian person could not have said that, and even if s/he did, s/he would not have gotten away with it.

I see everything much clearer now, and I hope more minorities, and the majority (sorry, but I have very low expectations of the majority), would stand up and make our voices heard.

Thank you for creating this platform. I apologise if I’ve touched on many issues (labels, diversity, SAP schools, ignorance, lack of discourse etc.), I just have too much I would like to say. Hope I have brought up some thought provoking points! ”

—
Also keep the posts coming, the entire point to this platform is to touch on touchy issues, we’ll never be able to deal with them if we can’t talk about them!

Source: I’m Not Racist, But

September 27, 2015
Republic Of Singapore Navy Career Fair Presentation Purposely Clashed With Muslim Friday Prayer Timing?

What types of insulting move the Singapore Navy does to Discriminate Singapore Muslims?

One Example below, out of 7 days in a week Singapore Navy chooses to do Recruiting on Friday and specifically during Friday prayer!, which is why True Muslims cannot attend!

The reason it clashed with Friday Prayer timing. Registration starts at 12 noon! Career Presentation from 12.30pm till 2.30pm!

Is this one people , one nation , one Singapore LOGIC LOCALLY! Is it Fair?

Please Share so that more people can see the injustices done to us and the lies told! Regardless of Race, Language or Religion!

Source: MD Nur Mohideen

September 27, 2015
Halal Slaughter Is Most Humane Way, Education, Not Banning, The Way Forward.

Hi Nicole,

Just to help re-enforce some of the points made here ;-

I went to an Abbatoire in Turkey last year & took our kids (1 & 4 at the time), where they slaughtered 10,000 Qurb’an. Each one is done by hand.

To explain the pillars for the slaughter to be halal (permissible by God) are a) the person performing the slaughter must be Muslim b) he must pronounce the name of Allah c) he / she must use a very sharp instrument to cut the jugular in one swift cut, severing the jugular, windpipe / oesophagus.

When I watched the man performing the slaughter was constantly sharpening his blade on a slather around his waist. This ensured his instrument was razor sharp the whole time. He was extremely expert whipping around like a dervish, slaughtering at least 3-5 animals (sheep in this case) in a matter of seconds.

The animals is very unlikely to feel any pain, as the instrument is so sharp that by going straight through the neck & oesophagus it cuts off the oxygen to the brain and the animal passes out within seconds. A German scientist did a study comparing the Halal way of slaughter versus the stunning & other methods & he concluded the Halal method is far superior as the brain patterns show it is like the animal is falling asleep. The animals come out individually from a segregated enclosure & they are really not intelligent enough to figure out what is going on in that space of time.

Slaughter in this method is compulsory as the heart then pumps out all the blood & it is compulsory to drain out all the blood from the animal (they are hung up). There is a lot of science to back all this ancient wisdom up & it is to do with health reasons, as the blood can contain harmful bacteria.

The Western media in some cases may make it look like some sort of bloody occult ritual, as if people go to Makkah to bathe in the blood of camels & delight in the killing. They do have a habit of sensationalism, sometimes even turning things upside down to the confusion of the reader.

Halal slaughter is the most humane way to kill an animal. Whereas MNC animal slaughter has many cases where it is grossly inhumane & simply cruel in the extreme.

Part of Islamic teaching is to observe the act of halal slaughter, I have volunteered a number of times at the Mosque. It is very moving. On a smaller scale (80-100 sheep) a few of us will hold and stroke the animals to keep them calm. No animal likes to be manhandled, but it doesn’t mean they are in fear of being killed – they do not have awareness of this as they are segregated. When we witness the slaughter process we are less likely to take the steak & food we get served up on a plate for granted. It puts us in a higher state of gratitude. I encourage my children to see it and explain to them what it is about.

The Western MNC slaughterhouses are often really inhumane. The animals are backed up & stunned. They are in such shock & pain that the animals behind go into a state of fear & adrenalin is pumped through the body of the animal which hardens the meat. You can taste the difference with halal meat.

As a consequence of all this negative publicity animal rights movements have prevented people from being able witness this sacred ritual in Singapore, which is a great education for kids. In Singapore now for the past 4 years they have had to totally screen everything off, no observation points! How will kids learn to appreciate all this food they devour & take for granted? Isn’t it better they grow up to appreciate that an animal sacrificed it’s life so we can eat? In Singapore you never even get to see a cow or a sheep!

So as is often the case media critics have it wrong. The meat is distributed to the poor and needy as an act of alms giving. The act of slaughter is to represent the slaughtering of the ego.

I hope you will accept the invitation to come to Al Kaff Mosque, (next to where I live too) & we will be very happy to share more with you / answer all your concerns.

A last point is these animals are actually in submission. I can show you videos where animals will literally lie down and place their necks to be slaughtered. This is an act of obedience to God.

Have a blessed day.

Source: Tim Alden

September 27, 2015