Home > ST Forum(13Mar09) > Story
Too early to gauge new scheme's impact on motor claim costs
I THANK Mr Daniel Choy for last Friday's letter, 'Motor Claims Framework: Why no cut in premium?'
As the Motor Claims Framework was implemented nine months ago, it is still too early to assess its full impact on containing claim costs.
The General Insurance Association firmly believes that in the middle to long term, there will be a positive and sustained impact.
Already our member insurers have seen a significant 24 per cent increase in accident reports being filed since the framework was implemented.
We believe that such timely reporting will go some way in containing and curbing rising claims, a key determinant in the need for insurers to raise motor premiums.
To better assess the effectiveness of the framework, the General Insurance Association will conduct a national survey in May to gather feedback from motorists on their reporting and claims experiences, and make further improvements.
The issue of inflated third party claims, as raised by the writer, is a very real one.
The General Insurance Association is currently studying various other options to address this crucial area as well.
Mark Lim
Executive Director
General Insurance Association
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_349457.html
Friday, March 13, 2009
It's high time motor insurers put their house in order
Home > ST Forum (14Mar09) > Story
It's high time motor insurers put their house in order
WHEN I saw yesterday's headline, 'Motor insurance set to cost more', my first reaction was, 'No, not again'.
Without having to read the report, I could guess what the insurers were going to say to justify their impending premium increase. More accidents reported and higher injury claims are reasons which they cite ad nauseam.
It is the same old yarn: If insurers must pay out more, policyholders will just have to carry the burden - so easy to pass the buck.
After bearing the burden of increasing premiums for so many years, I would now like to ask the insurers whether it is time for them to put their own house in order.
For example, if there were rampant fraudulent claims, why are they not making a greater effort to bring the culprits to book?
Surely it would have helped to reduce the numbers if they had been more diligent in cracking down on such fraud. Could it be that because it is so convenient to increase premiums each year, there is no real urgency in investigating accident cases more thoroughly?
If my recent experience is any guide to the way insurers are conducting themselves, I shudder to think of what lies ahead for the motoring public.
I was involved in a motor accident early last year. I took photographs of the scene and reported quite comprehensively on what happened.
Then I told my insurer that on no account should they settle the case without referring to me as I believe I was not to blame.
Imagine my chagrin when I found out months later that my insurer had gone ahead and admitted 90 per cent liability without informing me.
But what takes the cake is this: My insurer had given the wrong location of my accident in the settlement letter but nevertheless, it was signed and sealed.
My attempt to unravel the whole nightmare is another story in itself but I will leave it until I have seen some light.
Sia Cheong Yew
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_349878.html
It's high time motor insurers put their house in order
WHEN I saw yesterday's headline, 'Motor insurance set to cost more', my first reaction was, 'No, not again'.
Without having to read the report, I could guess what the insurers were going to say to justify their impending premium increase. More accidents reported and higher injury claims are reasons which they cite ad nauseam.
It is the same old yarn: If insurers must pay out more, policyholders will just have to carry the burden - so easy to pass the buck.
After bearing the burden of increasing premiums for so many years, I would now like to ask the insurers whether it is time for them to put their own house in order.
For example, if there were rampant fraudulent claims, why are they not making a greater effort to bring the culprits to book?
Surely it would have helped to reduce the numbers if they had been more diligent in cracking down on such fraud. Could it be that because it is so convenient to increase premiums each year, there is no real urgency in investigating accident cases more thoroughly?
If my recent experience is any guide to the way insurers are conducting themselves, I shudder to think of what lies ahead for the motoring public.
I was involved in a motor accident early last year. I took photographs of the scene and reported quite comprehensively on what happened.
Then I told my insurer that on no account should they settle the case without referring to me as I believe I was not to blame.
Imagine my chagrin when I found out months later that my insurer had gone ahead and admitted 90 per cent liability without informing me.
But what takes the cake is this: My insurer had given the wrong location of my accident in the settlement letter but nevertheless, it was signed and sealed.
My attempt to unravel the whole nightmare is another story in itself but I will leave it until I have seen some light.
Sia Cheong Yew
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_349878.html
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SAF: Stingy and Fumbling?
SAF: Stingy and Fumbling?
Objective:
To provide NSmen a more equitable remuneration/ allowance package as the current package is outdated, antiquated and thus plain unfair to unemployed NSmen.
Background:
According to 'http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/admin/PayMatters.html',
“As an Operationally Ready NSman, you will receive Service Pay for the entire period of NS activity that you attend. An NSman who suffers a loss in his civilian income as a result of having to attend NS activities can claim make-up pay (MUP) (i.e. the difference between employment income and service pay) from MINDEF.”
However, I believe that this policy is flawed in that it excessively penalizes certain groups of NSmen such as:
'NSman who is employed and on leave/no pay leave during NS training.'
'NSman who is unemployed or is a student.'
SAF's argument being:
“NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay, as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during the period of his NS training. He will be paid service pay.”
The Flaw:
The flaw being the omitted balance between the fact that reservist activities are by nature interruptive, restrictive and demanding both physically and mentally, and the fact that private employment income is often a flawed estimate of the NSman's worth/ contribution.
Many thus end up underpaid/ overpaid simply by virtue of their life circumstance. This is plain unfair given the fact that all NSmen need comply to the same, exacting physical and mental requirements.
Evidence of the NSmen's demoralization, dissatisfaction with the current system is plain to see on the internet. Public forums that reflect popular mentality towards seeking medical excuse towards 'earning' vocation and deployment downgrades remain an embarrassment.
'Medical FAQs', http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/79306 , with over 1,800 posts since 2004 exists to help the poor, uninformed NSman navigate his way the ever onerous and demanding 'National Service Training System (NSTS)':
National Service Training System http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/opsready/NSTS.html:
“Before each ICT, you should train yourself up physically and be mentally prepared for the tough training that you are to undergo. If you fail to meet the required performance standards, you will be subjected to corrective training e.g. Your Unit Commander may decide to serve you additional NS call-up for Make-up Training (MUT).... ”
- Need I say more?
'In Defense of Defense' http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1: details a citizen soldier's experiences and observations. (Jan09)
On national service : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=12474.1 – reflections upon completion of one's NS training cycle. (Nov08)
'What the Gahmen owes you for NS' : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1 a tongue in cheek description of 'list of NSF jobs and their real world equivalent'. (Nov08)
My Suggestion:
The Service pay of NSmen should equal what regulars of similar rank , vocation and appointment should earn (pro-rata) as the rigors of reservist training equal or exceed that which a regular soldier in such vocation faces. One might argue for MUP to be reduced for high income earners to balance costs but rumor I last heard was that SAF tries not to recall high income NSmen anyway.
Conclusions:
Sure, defense budget may go up, but our gov has never been one to stint on it any way; maybe the way out is for regular officers to improve their leadership and communication abilities, so reservist's training can be more effectively run.
Perhaps more a carrot then a stick approach should be used now that NSmen and their families are more aware of their rights and responsibilities as a recent parliamentary debates and court rulings show (below); fair reimbursement shouldn't only apply to dead or injured servicemen.
At least, such a peg method for 'service pay' will motivate more low education holders to strive during their NSF period, knowing that they won't be prejudiced against when called up during their later study/ work periods. It might in fact mean more work and more pay for their 2 weeks reservist stint, a welcome break to celebrate one's citizenry responsibilities. (**Failure to perform to standard would entail MUT paid at NSF service pay rates**).
Reply by Minister Teo Chee Hean on Compensation for Dead and Injured Servicemen: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jul/17jul07_nr.html : “For the additional lump sum compensation, MINDEF uses the principles applied by civil courts to determine compensation amounts. This is a fair system based on prevailing practices and awards. ”
Parents: It was our last resort (TNP:23.2.09): http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090223-123888.html, 'Many people have told us that we're very brave to sue the Government,' Madam Hor, a bank teller, said in Mandarin, 'especially when we're not rich. But I believe anyone in our position would have done the same.
Have a nice day :).
Adapted from http://www.youngpap.org.sg/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=24863 ,
Objective:
To provide NSmen a more equitable remuneration/ allowance package as the current package is outdated, antiquated and thus plain unfair to unemployed NSmen.
Background:
According to 'http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/admin/PayMatters.html',
“As an Operationally Ready NSman, you will receive Service Pay for the entire period of NS activity that you attend. An NSman who suffers a loss in his civilian income as a result of having to attend NS activities can claim make-up pay (MUP) (i.e. the difference between employment income and service pay) from MINDEF.”
However, I believe that this policy is flawed in that it excessively penalizes certain groups of NSmen such as:
'NSman who is employed and on leave/no pay leave during NS training.'
'NSman who is unemployed or is a student.'
SAF's argument being:
“NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay, as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during the period of his NS training. He will be paid service pay.”
The Flaw:
The flaw being the omitted balance between the fact that reservist activities are by nature interruptive, restrictive and demanding both physically and mentally, and the fact that private employment income is often a flawed estimate of the NSman's worth/ contribution.
Many thus end up underpaid/ overpaid simply by virtue of their life circumstance. This is plain unfair given the fact that all NSmen need comply to the same, exacting physical and mental requirements.
Evidence of the NSmen's demoralization, dissatisfaction with the current system is plain to see on the internet. Public forums that reflect popular mentality towards seeking medical excuse towards 'earning' vocation and deployment downgrades remain an embarrassment.
'Medical FAQs', http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1390/topics/79306 , with over 1,800 posts since 2004 exists to help the poor, uninformed NSman navigate his way the ever onerous and demanding 'National Service Training System (NSTS)':
National Service Training System http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/opsready/NSTS.html:
“Before each ICT, you should train yourself up physically and be mentally prepared for the tough training that you are to undergo. If you fail to meet the required performance standards, you will be subjected to corrective training e.g. Your Unit Commander may decide to serve you additional NS call-up for Make-up Training (MUT).... ”
- Need I say more?
'In Defense of Defense' http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1: details a citizen soldier's experiences and observations. (Jan09)
On national service : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=12474.1 – reflections upon completion of one's NS training cycle. (Nov08)
'What the Gahmen owes you for NS' : http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=16842.1 a tongue in cheek description of 'list of NSF jobs and their real world equivalent'. (Nov08)
My Suggestion:
The Service pay of NSmen should equal what regulars of similar rank , vocation and appointment should earn (pro-rata) as the rigors of reservist training equal or exceed that which a regular soldier in such vocation faces. One might argue for MUP to be reduced for high income earners to balance costs but rumor I last heard was that SAF tries not to recall high income NSmen anyway.
Conclusions:
Sure, defense budget may go up, but our gov has never been one to stint on it any way; maybe the way out is for regular officers to improve their leadership and communication abilities, so reservist's training can be more effectively run.
Perhaps more a carrot then a stick approach should be used now that NSmen and their families are more aware of their rights and responsibilities as a recent parliamentary debates and court rulings show (below); fair reimbursement shouldn't only apply to dead or injured servicemen.
At least, such a peg method for 'service pay' will motivate more low education holders to strive during their NSF period, knowing that they won't be prejudiced against when called up during their later study/ work periods. It might in fact mean more work and more pay for their 2 weeks reservist stint, a welcome break to celebrate one's citizenry responsibilities. (**Failure to perform to standard would entail MUT paid at NSF service pay rates**).
Reply by Minister Teo Chee Hean on Compensation for Dead and Injured Servicemen: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2007/jul/17jul07_nr.html : “For the additional lump sum compensation, MINDEF uses the principles applied by civil courts to determine compensation amounts. This is a fair system based on prevailing practices and awards. ”
Parents: It was our last resort (TNP:23.2.09): http://www.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20090223-123888.html, 'Many people have told us that we're very brave to sue the Government,' Madam Hor, a bank teller, said in Mandarin, 'especially when we're not rich. But I believe anyone in our position would have done the same.
Have a nice day :).
Adapted from http://www.youngpap.org.sg/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=24863 ,
Sunday, February 8, 2009
SAF: Beacon of progress or definition of excess?
SAF: Beacon of progress or definition of excess?
I suggest that SAF peg its reservist pay to the higher of 1/2 to 2/3 of regular svc man salary for rank/ vocation OR svc man's regular civilian salary.
Currently:
(see NS portal: http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/topics/nsmen/admin/PayMatters.html for details)
“The following categories of NSmen are NOT eligible to claim make-up pay:
NSman who is employed and on leave/no pay leave during NS training
NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay, as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during the period of his NS training. He will be paid service pay.
NSman who is unemployed or is a student
NSman is not eligible to claim make-up pay, as he does not suffer any loss in civilian income during his period of NS training. He will be paid service pay.
This policy improvement is crucial to raise the overall profile of SAF as a formidable force through fair and progressive human resource practises.
Greater soldier loyalty and morale of NS men can only be attained through soldier perception of SAF as a fair and committed 'employer'.
Such equitable policy changes would also result in costs savings through better soldier performance due to their respect and faith in the improved organizational practises.
An urgent boost to the morale of our NS men during these difficult economic times is crucial to the continued credibility of our fighting forces, to this end, the perception of organizational fairness , leadership and integrity is integral.
NS men who are retrenched, unemployed, a student or engaging in relatively lesser paid jobs would certainly feel disgruntled by low NS pay considering that they are already already fully trained and completed their 2-2.5 yr NSF liability. The feeling of being exploited by virtue of their unfortunate circumstance is stressful. The reservist training period deprives one the opportunity of better employment, study and personal time by virtue of it's committed and restrictive nature.
Disgruntled soldiers can only be a detriment to the organization considering the insidious damage caused. Failing morale, lack of attentiveness to safety and detail, unfair human resources practises and personal interest would surely lead to the downfall of the Singapore armed forces.
May not just a dead soldier enjoy a regular soldier's privileges.
http://www.getformesingapore.com/previous2007/220707_compensationfordeadandinjuredsafservicemen.htm - “Minister Teo: I thank Mr Siew Kum Hong for his questions on compensation as it allows MINDEF to clarify our compensation framework. MINDEF applies similar principles and practices used by the civil courts or the Workmen's Compensation Act (WCA) to determine compensation for deaths and injuries due to service. Based on these principles, MINDEF's compensation framework for death consists of up to three components. The first …
… . The second component is a lump sum death gratuity. For NSFs and NSmen, MINDEF treats them like regulars and gives a minimum of one year's basic pay for a regular of the same rank. … ...”
In this day and age of change, strength lies not just in numbers.
May the policy change :).
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Lee Sr and the eye-opening trauma in London
"In Singapore, within half-an-hour, you would be in SGH (Singapore General Hospital), TTSH (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) … and within one-and-a-half to two hours flat, you'd know what went wrong." SM Lee KY.
A tall expectation given this: 'Shortage of Drs in SG'?
Lee Sr and the eye-opening trauma in London
Today - November 3, 2003
SINGAPORE
http://www.singapore-window.org/sw03/031103to.htm
By Val Chua
EMOTIONS ran high on a balmy Sunday night as the normally stoic Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew nearly broke down while recounting the ordeal his wife went through in London recently.
The troubles that the couple faced — including joining a queue in a free hospital — when Mrs Lee was hit by stroke two Sundays ago, revealed how differently two systems worked.
"I cannot tell you how restless and unhappy we felt," he said at a community event in Jalan Bukit Merah yesterday.
"We run a (healthcare) system where you have to co-pay … but you get the attention. There, no attention, just join the queue," he said grimly.
The first sign of trouble was that there was no private hospital with CT scan facility at night in London, he told residents and community leaders.
So, Mrs Lee had to go to the NHS hospital nearest to the Four Seasons Hotel where they were staying — a free facility called the Royal London Hospital — and join the queue.
"We waited 45 minutes for the ambulance for a 10-minute drive," said Mr Lee in his first public appearance since the couple returned on Friday.
"In Singapore, within half-an-hour, you would be in SGH (Singapore General Hospital), TTSH (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) … and within one-and-a-half to two hours flat, you'd know what went wrong."
When Mrs Lee reached The Royal London Hospital at 12.30am, it happened to have three cardiac arrest patients.
Mr Lee was told his wife's brain problem was "not as important" as the cardiac arrest cases, he recounted solemnly. She would have had to wait till 8am the next morning for her CT brain scan if 10 Downing Street had not intervened to get her early attention. High Commissioner Michael Teo had sought help from 10 Downing Street at 2am on Sunday and she received treatment at 3.30am on the night itself.
"Once upon a time, it was a wonderful hospital. But after 40 plus years … the system cannot deliver. There's no connection between those in the system and the patients," he said.
But it's the way free healthcare systems work, he added, noting that Singapore must not go down that path, even though there are calls for free C class wards in public hospitals here.
"It's how the system works … They did not discriminate against us," he noted of his London experience.
This contrasted sharply with how quickly Singaporeans — including national carrier Singapore Airlines — reacted to the situation.
Even though doctors initially advised that Mrs Lee stay put in London for three weeks, Mr Lee decided fly her back once her condition stabilised.
And then there was the big worry that she would get a spasm onboard, he recounted.
But he needn't have worried. Within 48 hours, SIA had fitted out SQ321 with medical support of oxygen tanks and other fixtures for a drip.
"No other airline would have done this," Mr Lee said, looking visibly touched.
On board were also two Intensive Care nurses from Changi General Hospital, two doctors, as well as officials from SIA who made sure all the equipment worked.
"Everyone knows his job," said Mr Lee. "Within 12 to 13 hours, we'd reached Changi Airport. It was a big relief," he said. "Twelve to 13 hours. Your heart stops beating sometimes. We landed at Changi Airport. Great relief. I had my granddaughter (Li Xiuqi) with me. She is very fond of her grandmother. She was so relieved."
Mrs Lee was whisked off in an ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, where she is recovering.
"I think this experience has changed my granddaughter's view of Singapore," Mr Lee said.
The overseas ordeal has made him even more assured that Singapore has what it takes to succeed, despite the downturn. "It's how we respond in an emergency that determines how we fight back. And I have enormous confidence that we can fight back."
The Singapore system — with its efficiency and fighting spirit — must be kept, he said.
"You slacken, you choose the easy way, and you'd be finished," he said.
Choking back tears, he added: "I have immense confidence that in an emergency, our people respond …If we can do that, we can succeed."
A tall expectation given this: 'Shortage of Drs in SG'?
Lee Sr and the eye-opening trauma in London
Today - November 3, 2003
SINGAPORE
http://www.singapore-window.org/sw03/031103to.htm
By Val Chua
EMOTIONS ran high on a balmy Sunday night as the normally stoic Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew nearly broke down while recounting the ordeal his wife went through in London recently.
The troubles that the couple faced — including joining a queue in a free hospital — when Mrs Lee was hit by stroke two Sundays ago, revealed how differently two systems worked.
"I cannot tell you how restless and unhappy we felt," he said at a community event in Jalan Bukit Merah yesterday.
"We run a (healthcare) system where you have to co-pay … but you get the attention. There, no attention, just join the queue," he said grimly.
The first sign of trouble was that there was no private hospital with CT scan facility at night in London, he told residents and community leaders.
So, Mrs Lee had to go to the NHS hospital nearest to the Four Seasons Hotel where they were staying — a free facility called the Royal London Hospital — and join the queue.
"We waited 45 minutes for the ambulance for a 10-minute drive," said Mr Lee in his first public appearance since the couple returned on Friday.
"In Singapore, within half-an-hour, you would be in SGH (Singapore General Hospital), TTSH (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) … and within one-and-a-half to two hours flat, you'd know what went wrong."
When Mrs Lee reached The Royal London Hospital at 12.30am, it happened to have three cardiac arrest patients.
Mr Lee was told his wife's brain problem was "not as important" as the cardiac arrest cases, he recounted solemnly. She would have had to wait till 8am the next morning for her CT brain scan if 10 Downing Street had not intervened to get her early attention. High Commissioner Michael Teo had sought help from 10 Downing Street at 2am on Sunday and she received treatment at 3.30am on the night itself.
"Once upon a time, it was a wonderful hospital. But after 40 plus years … the system cannot deliver. There's no connection between those in the system and the patients," he said.
But it's the way free healthcare systems work, he added, noting that Singapore must not go down that path, even though there are calls for free C class wards in public hospitals here.
"It's how the system works … They did not discriminate against us," he noted of his London experience.
This contrasted sharply with how quickly Singaporeans — including national carrier Singapore Airlines — reacted to the situation.
Even though doctors initially advised that Mrs Lee stay put in London for three weeks, Mr Lee decided fly her back once her condition stabilised.
And then there was the big worry that she would get a spasm onboard, he recounted.
But he needn't have worried. Within 48 hours, SIA had fitted out SQ321 with medical support of oxygen tanks and other fixtures for a drip.
"No other airline would have done this," Mr Lee said, looking visibly touched.
On board were also two Intensive Care nurses from Changi General Hospital, two doctors, as well as officials from SIA who made sure all the equipment worked.
"Everyone knows his job," said Mr Lee. "Within 12 to 13 hours, we'd reached Changi Airport. It was a big relief," he said. "Twelve to 13 hours. Your heart stops beating sometimes. We landed at Changi Airport. Great relief. I had my granddaughter (Li Xiuqi) with me. She is very fond of her grandmother. She was so relieved."
Mrs Lee was whisked off in an ambulance to Singapore General Hospital, where she is recovering.
"I think this experience has changed my granddaughter's view of Singapore," Mr Lee said.
The overseas ordeal has made him even more assured that Singapore has what it takes to succeed, despite the downturn. "It's how we respond in an emergency that determines how we fight back. And I have enormous confidence that we can fight back."
The Singapore system — with its efficiency and fighting spirit — must be kept, he said.
"You slacken, you choose the easy way, and you'd be finished," he said.
Choking back tears, he added: "I have immense confidence that in an emergency, our people respond …If we can do that, we can succeed."
"Inefficient or too thorough?"
"Inefficient or too thorough?"
Tuesday • March 11, 2008 (Hosp reply is below)
Patient: Exhausted after 7 hours in clinic
I am writing about my experience at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's 24-hour clinic.
I recently went there because of a lower abdominal pain and spent more than three hours in a waiting room with only two rows of seats. Some patients were forced to stand while waiting.
There were only two doctors on duty. I was surprised at the chaotic situation in the consultation room. I submitted some samples for laboratory testing. While I was still on the examination couch, an impatient nurse asked me to confirm my address on the specimen tube labels. Before I could do so, she concluded they were correct and took the tubes.
I was then asked to go for an ultrasound. The person performing the scan told me she was not supposed to answer my queries. I had to wait to be brought to the consultation room again, when I could have brought the report myself.
I had to wait one-and-a-half hours for the doctor to interpret the scan. I was tired after making several trips to different floors.
When I asked the doctor to clarify the report, he seemed impatient and left the impression that he wanted to dismiss me quickly. He also wanted to prescribe medication without waiting for the final laboratory report, which would have been available three days later. When I refused the prescription, he seemed dissatisfied.
I left the hospital after paying substantial medical fees and spending about seven hours there. Can the management clarify if this is a normal scenario at the clinic and how it intends to improve the situation.
Ho See Ling
------
Hospital: Didn't want to risk patient's health
I refer to Ho See Ling's letter on her wait at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and her feedback about our staff.
She came to KKH's 24-hour clinic on Feb 25 at about 10am and had an initial assessment of her condition by a nurse about 15 minutes later.
She was found to be stable with no medical emergency. She saw a specialist one-and-a-half hours later at about 12pm. She presented with symptoms of lower abdominal pain that was not explained by her earlier medical condition.
Although not a medical emergency, these symptoms could represent serious infection as well as diseases that could have severe longer-term consequences if they were not diagnosed and treated promptly. The diagnosis of this condition required a detailed ultrasound scan and other investigations, which were specially arranged on the same day to save her the inconvenience of having to return to the hospital on another day for the tests.
We wish to assure Ho See Ling that the doctor's diagnosis of her condition was not only accurate, as supported by the ultrasound scan and subsequent test results, but also his offer of prescriptions was precise. However, she declined the medications on the day of her visit. She was promptly recalled and collected her medication after the latter results confirmed the specialist's initial diagnosis.
With regard to service from staff, we would like to inform Ho See Ling that the sonographer who conducted her scan was not able to answer her queries on her condition as this can only be done by a doctor once a radiologist has reviewed the scans and written a report.
We hope she understands that some medical conditions may not be apparent at the onset and thus, a rigorous review by doctors is required to ensure the condition is properly diagnosed, and appropriate treatment is rendered.
This may take more time than patients expect. We also hope Ho See Ling will accept our apologies for any inconvenience she may have experienced during her visit, especially if staff have been perceived as impatient. KKH takes patient-care seriously and thus, we are vigilant about giving the best medical treatment possible. We are also constantly seeking new ways to enhance patients' comfort and convenience.
We take this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.
Assoc Prof Tay Eng Hseon
Chairman, Medical Board, KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved. http://www.todayonline.com/articles/242192.asp
Tuesday • March 11, 2008 (Hosp reply is below)
Patient: Exhausted after 7 hours in clinic
I am writing about my experience at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital's 24-hour clinic.
I recently went there because of a lower abdominal pain and spent more than three hours in a waiting room with only two rows of seats. Some patients were forced to stand while waiting.
There were only two doctors on duty. I was surprised at the chaotic situation in the consultation room. I submitted some samples for laboratory testing. While I was still on the examination couch, an impatient nurse asked me to confirm my address on the specimen tube labels. Before I could do so, she concluded they were correct and took the tubes.
I was then asked to go for an ultrasound. The person performing the scan told me she was not supposed to answer my queries. I had to wait to be brought to the consultation room again, when I could have brought the report myself.
I had to wait one-and-a-half hours for the doctor to interpret the scan. I was tired after making several trips to different floors.
When I asked the doctor to clarify the report, he seemed impatient and left the impression that he wanted to dismiss me quickly. He also wanted to prescribe medication without waiting for the final laboratory report, which would have been available three days later. When I refused the prescription, he seemed dissatisfied.
I left the hospital after paying substantial medical fees and spending about seven hours there. Can the management clarify if this is a normal scenario at the clinic and how it intends to improve the situation.
Ho See Ling
------
Hospital: Didn't want to risk patient's health
I refer to Ho See Ling's letter on her wait at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) and her feedback about our staff.
She came to KKH's 24-hour clinic on Feb 25 at about 10am and had an initial assessment of her condition by a nurse about 15 minutes later.
She was found to be stable with no medical emergency. She saw a specialist one-and-a-half hours later at about 12pm. She presented with symptoms of lower abdominal pain that was not explained by her earlier medical condition.
Although not a medical emergency, these symptoms could represent serious infection as well as diseases that could have severe longer-term consequences if they were not diagnosed and treated promptly. The diagnosis of this condition required a detailed ultrasound scan and other investigations, which were specially arranged on the same day to save her the inconvenience of having to return to the hospital on another day for the tests.
We wish to assure Ho See Ling that the doctor's diagnosis of her condition was not only accurate, as supported by the ultrasound scan and subsequent test results, but also his offer of prescriptions was precise. However, she declined the medications on the day of her visit. She was promptly recalled and collected her medication after the latter results confirmed the specialist's initial diagnosis.
With regard to service from staff, we would like to inform Ho See Ling that the sonographer who conducted her scan was not able to answer her queries on her condition as this can only be done by a doctor once a radiologist has reviewed the scans and written a report.
We hope she understands that some medical conditions may not be apparent at the onset and thus, a rigorous review by doctors is required to ensure the condition is properly diagnosed, and appropriate treatment is rendered.
This may take more time than patients expect. We also hope Ho See Ling will accept our apologies for any inconvenience she may have experienced during her visit, especially if staff have been perceived as impatient. KKH takes patient-care seriously and thus, we are vigilant about giving the best medical treatment possible. We are also constantly seeking new ways to enhance patients' comfort and convenience.
We take this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.
Assoc Prof Tay Eng Hseon
Chairman, Medical Board, KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved. http://www.todayonline.com/articles/242192.asp
Warming up to better service
"Less satisfied, however, were those who ranked Singapore's two healthcare clusters, the National Healthcare Group and SingHealth, near the bottom of the overall list. For instance, in terms of polyclinic service, they scored 60.5 and 64.7 respectively. With the issue of long queues having repeatedly made the news... "
'Queue' Mar08, Dec07, older/ source
Warming up to better service
First nation-wide index on customer satisfaction here is a start
Tuesday • April 8, 2008
Alicia Wong: alicia@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU'VE heard or experienced it all, the good and the bad that service in Singapore has to offer. Now, here are credible statistics to back the anecdotes — and the numbers paint a picture of a somewhat satisfied customer.
Based on a new, comprehensive measure of customer contentment, the city of the smiling Singa scored a "healthy" 68.7 out of 100 on the national average satisfaction scale. Other developed countries scored in the 70s.
A first in Singapore, the Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG) — developed by the Institute of Service Excellence (Ises) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) — includes the views of both residents and tourists, on eight key economic sectors.
Of the individual entities that stood out, the national carrier took pride of place. Thanking its customers, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson told Today it had invested "substantial resources in training" its staff to keep customers happy and was "honoured to have topped the survey".
Less satisfied, however, were those who ranked Singapore's two healthcare clusters, the National Healthcare Group and SingHealth, near the bottom of the overall list. For instance, in terms of polyclinic service, they scored 60.5 and 64.7 respectively.
With the issue of long queues having repeatedly made the news, consumers like band instructor Goh Koon Chuan, 36, were not surprised polyclinics fared badly. "Their waiting times are long," he groused.
While the transportation and logistics sector was ranked third, one of its sub-sectors — public buses — scored a low 64.3. SBS Transit said: "We are of course disappointed that we did not do better and this will definitely spur us to do better."
Most consumers were not surprised at the sector rankings, especially with tourism coming in first. But market researcher Eugene Fok, 25, did not expect telecommunications to take bottom place, while housewife Ms Cynthia Sin, 47, felt the scoring for public buses was harsh. "I depend on public transport, and I think it is quite efficient," she said.
While Singapore's national average is healthy, there is some catching up to do, said Ises director Caroline Lim. South Korea and the United States, which use the same model, scored 72 and 75 respectively.
South Korea had scored 58.8 when it launched the index in 1998 but has moved "steadily upward" since, said Ms Lim, adding that Singapore can do likewise.
Interestingly, tourists gave higher scores than residents did. Most tourists came from Indonesia, China and Australia, said Ms Lim, and when they compare against their experiences at home, "they would rate Singapore higher".
That Singaporeans could have higher expectations was also a "possibility". Even so, only 6.3 per cent of respondents had complained to a company at least once in the last three or six months — compared with the US' 14 per cent.
This could be due to US consumers being more vocal, or there being more well-established feedback channels and a faster service-recovery culture in the US, said Ises, which comes under the Singapore Management University (SMU). The key to customer satisfaction, findings showed, depended on how well a company handled the complaint.
The CSISG is an international gold standard based on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, said Ises, which co-funded the $1-million survey with the WDA. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 10,229 households and 2,159 tourists between May 1 and July 23 last year. The survey took into account how customers' expectations and the quality of products or services affected their satisfaction.
Acting Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong said good service skills will become a critical asset and a competitive advantage for Singapore. "The CSISG is not just a barometer of customer satisfaction. It is a diagnostic tool that allows companies to understand, compare, improve and monitor their customer service over time," he said, challenging companies to score above 70 within three years.
The results will be posted at www.smu.edu.sg. Data collection for CSISG 2008 will begin in mid-year, and will expand to include other sub-sectors, such as insurance.
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/247162.asp
2008 Press Release [7 April 2008]
ISES@SMU releases findings of Singapore's first national level customer satisfaction study
'Queue' Mar08, Dec07, older/ source
Warming up to better service
First nation-wide index on customer satisfaction here is a start
Tuesday • April 8, 2008
Alicia Wong: alicia@mediacorp.com.sg
YOU'VE heard or experienced it all, the good and the bad that service in Singapore has to offer. Now, here are credible statistics to back the anecdotes — and the numbers paint a picture of a somewhat satisfied customer.
Based on a new, comprehensive measure of customer contentment, the city of the smiling Singa scored a "healthy" 68.7 out of 100 on the national average satisfaction scale. Other developed countries scored in the 70s.
A first in Singapore, the Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG) — developed by the Institute of Service Excellence (Ises) and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) — includes the views of both residents and tourists, on eight key economic sectors.
Of the individual entities that stood out, the national carrier took pride of place. Thanking its customers, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson told Today it had invested "substantial resources in training" its staff to keep customers happy and was "honoured to have topped the survey".
Less satisfied, however, were those who ranked Singapore's two healthcare clusters, the National Healthcare Group and SingHealth, near the bottom of the overall list. For instance, in terms of polyclinic service, they scored 60.5 and 64.7 respectively.
With the issue of long queues having repeatedly made the news, consumers like band instructor Goh Koon Chuan, 36, were not surprised polyclinics fared badly. "Their waiting times are long," he groused.
While the transportation and logistics sector was ranked third, one of its sub-sectors — public buses — scored a low 64.3. SBS Transit said: "We are of course disappointed that we did not do better and this will definitely spur us to do better."
Most consumers were not surprised at the sector rankings, especially with tourism coming in first. But market researcher Eugene Fok, 25, did not expect telecommunications to take bottom place, while housewife Ms Cynthia Sin, 47, felt the scoring for public buses was harsh. "I depend on public transport, and I think it is quite efficient," she said.
While Singapore's national average is healthy, there is some catching up to do, said Ises director Caroline Lim. South Korea and the United States, which use the same model, scored 72 and 75 respectively.
South Korea had scored 58.8 when it launched the index in 1998 but has moved "steadily upward" since, said Ms Lim, adding that Singapore can do likewise.
Interestingly, tourists gave higher scores than residents did. Most tourists came from Indonesia, China and Australia, said Ms Lim, and when they compare against their experiences at home, "they would rate Singapore higher".
That Singaporeans could have higher expectations was also a "possibility". Even so, only 6.3 per cent of respondents had complained to a company at least once in the last three or six months — compared with the US' 14 per cent.
This could be due to US consumers being more vocal, or there being more well-established feedback channels and a faster service-recovery culture in the US, said Ises, which comes under the Singapore Management University (SMU). The key to customer satisfaction, findings showed, depended on how well a company handled the complaint.
The CSISG is an international gold standard based on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, said Ises, which co-funded the $1-million survey with the WDA. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with 10,229 households and 2,159 tourists between May 1 and July 23 last year. The survey took into account how customers' expectations and the quality of products or services affected their satisfaction.
Acting Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong said good service skills will become a critical asset and a competitive advantage for Singapore. "The CSISG is not just a barometer of customer satisfaction. It is a diagnostic tool that allows companies to understand, compare, improve and monitor their customer service over time," he said, challenging companies to score above 70 within three years.
The results will be posted at www.smu.edu.sg. Data collection for CSISG 2008 will begin in mid-year, and will expand to include other sub-sectors, such as insurance.
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/247162.asp
2008 Press Release [7 April 2008]
ISES@SMU releases findings of Singapore's first national level customer satisfaction study
WHAT's HAPPENING TO MEDICINE?
"GPs face hard times with their high rentals and overheads and so some opt for aesthetics practice to supplement their medical practice ... six out of 10 doctors, according to a Straits Times report, choose aesthetics rather than their usual medical practice.., ... Which doctor would want to be involved in such healthcare programmes which give him $300 per Medisave account per year, compared to an aesthetics procedure that pays between $150 and $500 per visit?"
"polyclinics will then be even more overloaded..., ... One possible consideration is to let the patient carry his subsidy from the public to the private sector for the chronic disease programme."
Dr Tan is right: "Warming up to better service"
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/247162.asp (pictures)
Public hospitals need better queue system
WHAT's HAPPENING TO MEDICINE?
More stringency needed in managing aesthetics
Weekend • April 5, 2008
Dr Tan Cheng Bock
THE recent debate on aesthetics and medicine has prompted me to write this article.
I write out of concern for the future of medical practice, and how changing medical practices can affect our National Health Programmes and the management of infectious diseases in future.
I do not perform aesthetic procedures, I only practise medicine.
Aesthetics is a lifestyle industry, it is not medical practice. It does not heal but only enhances appearances. The practitioner of aesthetics is not treating sick patients but healthy individuals who want to change and improve their looks. Hence, we have procedures, for example, to remove fat and pimples and whiten the skin.
An aesthetics practitioner need not be a doctor or go through medical school. He relies on machines and creams to do the job.
However, there is a big demand for aesthetics because of the growing wealth and expectations to look slim and flawless. This big lifestyle industry, which has developed and spread rapidly in the region, is worth about $200 million.
Aesthetic practitioners used to be beauticians who conducted minor procedures. But with newer and more advanced equipment, the more complicated and difficult procedures were beyond them. Doctors were then roped in to assist in the complications.
However, doctors — both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists — were soon caught up in this wave and started providing such services to meet the demands. In doing so, they shifted their emphasis from healing the sick to undertaking this more lucrative practice where returns were very good.
GPs face hard times with their high rentals and overheads and so some opt for aesthetics practice to supplement their medical practice.
This is a worrying trend. If six out of 10 doctors, according to a Straits Times report, choose aesthetics rather than their usual medical practice, it begs the question: Why train such doctors who end up doing so little medical practice?
This will have an impact on the national healthcare programmes, such as the current chronic disease management of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Which doctor would want to be involved in such healthcare programmes which give him $300 per Medisave account per year, compared to an aesthetics procedure that pays between $150 and $500 per visit?
Moreover, since the Chronic Disease Management Programme requires doctors to follow a strict protocol of management before payment, my concern is that, in time, many GPs will opt out of the programme. The polyclinics will then be even more overloaded if GPs' participation rate is low.
Of greater concern is in the event of an acute infectious disease — such as bird flu or Sars — how are we going to get support from GPs involved in aesthetics care? They are likely to close their clinics to avoid the risks as they are not prepared to manage such a situation.
GPs giving up their medical practice is another likely scenario if the Government comes down too hard on these doctors, especially if they find that offering aesthetics procedures provides them with more than enough income to maintain their lifestyle without struggling with the daily medical practice which pays relatively very little.
I can see why some GPs give up their medical practice. But a doctor is trained to treat patients. What happened to the Hippocratic Oath they took?
All students enter medical school with a noble calling to serve their patients. But as the realities of life hit home when they start practising and have to cope with financial needs to meet the rising cost of living, many doctors will find their calling slowly eroded.
Life was much simpler for my generation of doctors who practise medicine. People were content to lead a lifestyle without a need to change the shape of their nose, have double eyelids or an implant to augment their physical assets.
But with affluence, patients no longer see doctors just as healers but also as practitioners who can improve their physical assets.
Doctors' attitudes also start to change; they now advertise their services, which was not allowed when I became a doctor. Worse, the Government started calling medicine an industry.
I remember protesting against this term "medical industry" because if medicine is an industry, then like any industry, a doctor is just a worker and has to conform to industry norm, working the stipulated hours.
That impinges on the Hippocratic Oath doctors take. The Oath becomes less binding because the "medical industry" shifts the emphasis from practising medicine to being just a worker in an industry. Moreover, the bottom line in an industry is making money while medicine's bottom line is caring for patients.
The Government calls medicine an industry because it wants to promote Singapore as a medical hub. But this drive is so over-emphasised that the cost of medical care has increased as every medical institution, private and public, has to meet the bottom line — an industrial norm especially for those listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
How do we manage the situation? We have two pressing issues to be on the lookout for.
One is the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. It is very important to involve the medical community, both private and public, because the debilitating end stage side-effects like stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations will deplete the patients' savings as institutional care in hospitals will be very expensive.
Two, if we are not sufficiently prepared, epidemics such as Sars will have serious consequences for the country.
In managing the current trend of aesthetics care, we need to consider:
1) The role of doctors in the aesthetics industry. Identify the procedures that GPs and specialists can or cannot do. Under the Medical Clinics & Hospital Act, which regulates what constitutes a medical clinic, can doctors conduct aesthetics in their clinics? Are doctors who do so complying with the regulations?
2) The role of operators of beauty spas and salons. What are the limits to their work procedures?
3) The role of doctors in our National Health Programmes as the emphasis of medical practice shifts. How can the Ministry of Health encourage GPs to stay on these programmes in the light of the aesthetics factor? One possible consideration is to let the patient carry his subsidy from the public to the private sector for the chronic disease programme.
The writer is a GP and former Member of Parliament.
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/246707.asp
"polyclinics will then be even more overloaded..., ... One possible consideration is to let the patient carry his subsidy from the public to the private sector for the chronic disease programme."
Dr Tan is right: "Warming up to better service"
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/247162.asp (pictures)
Public hospitals need better queue system
WHAT's HAPPENING TO MEDICINE?
More stringency needed in managing aesthetics
Weekend • April 5, 2008
Dr Tan Cheng Bock
THE recent debate on aesthetics and medicine has prompted me to write this article.
I write out of concern for the future of medical practice, and how changing medical practices can affect our National Health Programmes and the management of infectious diseases in future.
I do not perform aesthetic procedures, I only practise medicine.
Aesthetics is a lifestyle industry, it is not medical practice. It does not heal but only enhances appearances. The practitioner of aesthetics is not treating sick patients but healthy individuals who want to change and improve their looks. Hence, we have procedures, for example, to remove fat and pimples and whiten the skin.
An aesthetics practitioner need not be a doctor or go through medical school. He relies on machines and creams to do the job.
However, there is a big demand for aesthetics because of the growing wealth and expectations to look slim and flawless. This big lifestyle industry, which has developed and spread rapidly in the region, is worth about $200 million.
Aesthetic practitioners used to be beauticians who conducted minor procedures. But with newer and more advanced equipment, the more complicated and difficult procedures were beyond them. Doctors were then roped in to assist in the complications.
However, doctors — both general practitioners (GPs) and specialists — were soon caught up in this wave and started providing such services to meet the demands. In doing so, they shifted their emphasis from healing the sick to undertaking this more lucrative practice where returns were very good.
GPs face hard times with their high rentals and overheads and so some opt for aesthetics practice to supplement their medical practice.
This is a worrying trend. If six out of 10 doctors, according to a Straits Times report, choose aesthetics rather than their usual medical practice, it begs the question: Why train such doctors who end up doing so little medical practice?
This will have an impact on the national healthcare programmes, such as the current chronic disease management of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Which doctor would want to be involved in such healthcare programmes which give him $300 per Medisave account per year, compared to an aesthetics procedure that pays between $150 and $500 per visit?
Moreover, since the Chronic Disease Management Programme requires doctors to follow a strict protocol of management before payment, my concern is that, in time, many GPs will opt out of the programme. The polyclinics will then be even more overloaded if GPs' participation rate is low.
Of greater concern is in the event of an acute infectious disease — such as bird flu or Sars — how are we going to get support from GPs involved in aesthetics care? They are likely to close their clinics to avoid the risks as they are not prepared to manage such a situation.
GPs giving up their medical practice is another likely scenario if the Government comes down too hard on these doctors, especially if they find that offering aesthetics procedures provides them with more than enough income to maintain their lifestyle without struggling with the daily medical practice which pays relatively very little.
I can see why some GPs give up their medical practice. But a doctor is trained to treat patients. What happened to the Hippocratic Oath they took?
All students enter medical school with a noble calling to serve their patients. But as the realities of life hit home when they start practising and have to cope with financial needs to meet the rising cost of living, many doctors will find their calling slowly eroded.
Life was much simpler for my generation of doctors who practise medicine. People were content to lead a lifestyle without a need to change the shape of their nose, have double eyelids or an implant to augment their physical assets.
But with affluence, patients no longer see doctors just as healers but also as practitioners who can improve their physical assets.
Doctors' attitudes also start to change; they now advertise their services, which was not allowed when I became a doctor. Worse, the Government started calling medicine an industry.
I remember protesting against this term "medical industry" because if medicine is an industry, then like any industry, a doctor is just a worker and has to conform to industry norm, working the stipulated hours.
That impinges on the Hippocratic Oath doctors take. The Oath becomes less binding because the "medical industry" shifts the emphasis from practising medicine to being just a worker in an industry. Moreover, the bottom line in an industry is making money while medicine's bottom line is caring for patients.
The Government calls medicine an industry because it wants to promote Singapore as a medical hub. But this drive is so over-emphasised that the cost of medical care has increased as every medical institution, private and public, has to meet the bottom line — an industrial norm especially for those listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.
How do we manage the situation? We have two pressing issues to be on the lookout for.
One is the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. It is very important to involve the medical community, both private and public, because the debilitating end stage side-effects like stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputations will deplete the patients' savings as institutional care in hospitals will be very expensive.
Two, if we are not sufficiently prepared, epidemics such as Sars will have serious consequences for the country.
In managing the current trend of aesthetics care, we need to consider:
1) The role of doctors in the aesthetics industry. Identify the procedures that GPs and specialists can or cannot do. Under the Medical Clinics & Hospital Act, which regulates what constitutes a medical clinic, can doctors conduct aesthetics in their clinics? Are doctors who do so complying with the regulations?
2) The role of operators of beauty spas and salons. What are the limits to their work procedures?
3) The role of doctors in our National Health Programmes as the emphasis of medical practice shifts. How can the Ministry of Health encourage GPs to stay on these programmes in the light of the aesthetics factor? One possible consideration is to let the patient carry his subsidy from the public to the private sector for the chronic disease programme.
The writer is a GP and former Member of Parliament.
Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://www.todayonline.com/articles/246707.asp
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Let Medisave be used for health screening
Home > ST Forum > Story
Dec 8, 2007
Let Medisave be used for health screening
I READ with frustration the article, 'S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health'' (ST, Dec 3).
Dr Lam Pin Min, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, called for screening to catch problems such as diabetes and cancer early.
Three years ago, I wrote to the Forum suggesting the use of Medisave for comprehensive health-screening for those aged above 45 who have sufficient funds in their accounts.
The reply from the Health Ministry was that the Medisave scheme is designed primarily to help individuals meet their personal or immediate family's hospitalisation expenses, and that health-screening tests which are considered cost-effective, such as mammography and pap smear, are heavily subsidised at polyclinics.
Is this cheaper health-screening a comprehensive one?
What is the point of having a large amount in the Medisave and not using it for early detection and prevention?
Recently, the Government allowed Medisave to be used for certain outpatient treatments. However, this is not a preventive measure, and is too little, too late.
As not all organisations provide check-ups for staff in their 40s, the Health Ministry should encourage the middle- and lower-income group, who may have difficulties forking out cash, to go for a comprehensive screening annually by allowing the use of Medisave.
Nagarajah Sinnathurai
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_184726.html
------
(#1) STTeam (Administrator) Let Medisave be used for health screening - December 08, 2007 Saturday, 01:53 AM
I READ with frustration the article, 'S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health'' (ST, Dec 3).
STTeam Send a private message to STTeam Find all posts by STTeam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#2) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 10:01 AM
heartlander88: You're once again opening another pandora box where your hard-earned savings will be quickly depleted even before you fall sick. Please keep Medisave strictly for hospital expenses.It has already liberalised for many other non-hospital purposes. To allow Medisave for health screening will be another dagger plunged into the heart of our sacred CPF.
There'll be wide-spread abuses of health screening using the Medisave.There is no end to what you want to screen - from head to toe. The doctors will be too happy to screen you as often as they like.The healthcare providers will laugh all the way to the bank once Medisave is released for healthcare screening. This is a bottomless pit of healthcare spending.And when you are finally diagnosed with a disease like cancer, your Medisave is ZERO! And you'll have to pay cash for your massive and costly hospital bills which will be escalating every year.
My motto: live a simple and healthy life-style. live well when you are well. when you are terminally ill and chronically sick, accept your death sentence with graciousness and let go.no need to cling on to end-of-death life which is no life at all. so spend your inheritance and be joyful. Take care.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#3) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 10:20 AM
chiabb:
I disagree with heartlander's myopic view and therefore agree with Mr Sinnathurai. Screening should be considered as an integral part of our medical & health system.
How impetuous to assume that "there'll be wide-spread abuses of health screening". And how cynical to say "doctors will be too happy to screen you as often as they like".
Living "a simple and healthy life-style" is only part of the answer. Preventive screening could go along way to avert costly treatment bills in future = a greater drain on Medisave.
A proactive approach to health is wise approach.
A saying trite but true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." (Also not updated to metric ;D)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#4) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:01 AM
heartlander88: #3 - agree with chiabb.
i'm not against health screening or preventive medicine. what i'm saying is do not use Medisave to pay for health screening. once this pandora box is opened,there is no end to the abuses.
health screening is quite a tricky thing. how far will you go ? how cost-effective? what are the pick-up rate for certain diseases? you can screen every year for 10 years or 20 years, nothing happen - a clean slate,perfect lab results, everything normal. then you walk out of your doctor's clinic, a very happy man, and then death strikes suddenly. you collapse with a massive heart attack or a massive stroke.
health screening is not the guarantee to longevity or good health.it's so costly and the pick up rate is so dismal and so disappointing.
my philosophy is live a good and happy life when you are well. do a discreet health screening once awhile. use your own cash. keep the Medisave for the more serious hospital treatment and investigations.
simple and health screening does not cost much.why use the Medisave?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#5) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:33 AM
chiabb:
#4 So we agree in principle, lah. Only not quite agree which fund should pay. That's ok :)
Perhaps I might persuade you to consider that Medisave is exactly the fund for such preventive medical screening, while Medishield is actually designed for serious/chronic illness (?)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#6) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:35 AM
lobo_respawned:
#5: i think it depends on whether we want to see Singaporeans can think for themselves or not. If yes, then we open it up as an option for people to use. If no, let others continue to micromanage our own money.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#7) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:36 AM
unewolke:
I agree with the writer. Also there are people who do not work for money for one reason or another.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#8) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:49 AM
heartlander88:
#5 yes, we do agree in principle.
but i still maintain that medisave should be kept for more serious illnesses in hospital. medisave itself might not be enough.
medishield itself is inadequate to cover hospital treatment. the top up cash can be very painful, even with medisave.
so i maintain that basic health screening for simple basic chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and heart diseases should not use medisave.
but for treatment of such diseases, the government has already approved the use of medisave. yes for treatment and management ( that includes screening and follow-up - but up to $300 a year per account per disease).
so it is rather limited as well.
i know how fast medisave can be depleted because i've a personal experience in the hospital when my mum was admitted to the hospital.my mum has to use my brother's medisave which is also fast depleting - daily!so it's better to maintain a healthy medisave for hospital treatment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#9) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 04:25 PM
reginale:
I agree, we need to be preventive instead of waiting till the last minute ?
Dec 8, 2007
Let Medisave be used for health screening
I READ with frustration the article, 'S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health'' (ST, Dec 3).
Dr Lam Pin Min, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, called for screening to catch problems such as diabetes and cancer early.
Three years ago, I wrote to the Forum suggesting the use of Medisave for comprehensive health-screening for those aged above 45 who have sufficient funds in their accounts.
The reply from the Health Ministry was that the Medisave scheme is designed primarily to help individuals meet their personal or immediate family's hospitalisation expenses, and that health-screening tests which are considered cost-effective, such as mammography and pap smear, are heavily subsidised at polyclinics.
Is this cheaper health-screening a comprehensive one?
What is the point of having a large amount in the Medisave and not using it for early detection and prevention?
Recently, the Government allowed Medisave to be used for certain outpatient treatments. However, this is not a preventive measure, and is too little, too late.
As not all organisations provide check-ups for staff in their 40s, the Health Ministry should encourage the middle- and lower-income group, who may have difficulties forking out cash, to go for a comprehensive screening annually by allowing the use of Medisave.
Nagarajah Sinnathurai
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_184726.html
------
(#1) STTeam (Administrator) Let Medisave be used for health screening - December 08, 2007 Saturday, 01:53 AM
I READ with frustration the article, 'S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health'' (ST, Dec 3).
STTeam Send a private message to STTeam Find all posts by STTeam
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#2) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 10:01 AM
heartlander88: You're once again opening another pandora box where your hard-earned savings will be quickly depleted even before you fall sick. Please keep Medisave strictly for hospital expenses.It has already liberalised for many other non-hospital purposes. To allow Medisave for health screening will be another dagger plunged into the heart of our sacred CPF.
There'll be wide-spread abuses of health screening using the Medisave.There is no end to what you want to screen - from head to toe. The doctors will be too happy to screen you as often as they like.The healthcare providers will laugh all the way to the bank once Medisave is released for healthcare screening. This is a bottomless pit of healthcare spending.And when you are finally diagnosed with a disease like cancer, your Medisave is ZERO! And you'll have to pay cash for your massive and costly hospital bills which will be escalating every year.
My motto: live a simple and healthy life-style. live well when you are well. when you are terminally ill and chronically sick, accept your death sentence with graciousness and let go.no need to cling on to end-of-death life which is no life at all. so spend your inheritance and be joyful. Take care.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(#3) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 10:20 AM
chiabb:
I disagree with heartlander's myopic view and therefore agree with Mr Sinnathurai. Screening should be considered as an integral part of our medical & health system.
How impetuous to assume that "there'll be wide-spread abuses of health screening". And how cynical to say "doctors will be too happy to screen you as often as they like".
Living "a simple and healthy life-style" is only part of the answer. Preventive screening could go along way to avert costly treatment bills in future = a greater drain on Medisave.
A proactive approach to health is wise approach.
A saying trite but true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." (Also not updated to metric ;D)
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(#4) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:01 AM
heartlander88: #3 - agree with chiabb.
i'm not against health screening or preventive medicine. what i'm saying is do not use Medisave to pay for health screening. once this pandora box is opened,there is no end to the abuses.
health screening is quite a tricky thing. how far will you go ? how cost-effective? what are the pick-up rate for certain diseases? you can screen every year for 10 years or 20 years, nothing happen - a clean slate,perfect lab results, everything normal. then you walk out of your doctor's clinic, a very happy man, and then death strikes suddenly. you collapse with a massive heart attack or a massive stroke.
health screening is not the guarantee to longevity or good health.it's so costly and the pick up rate is so dismal and so disappointing.
my philosophy is live a good and happy life when you are well. do a discreet health screening once awhile. use your own cash. keep the Medisave for the more serious hospital treatment and investigations.
simple and health screening does not cost much.why use the Medisave?
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(#5) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:33 AM
chiabb:
#4 So we agree in principle, lah. Only not quite agree which fund should pay. That's ok :)
Perhaps I might persuade you to consider that Medisave is exactly the fund for such preventive medical screening, while Medishield is actually designed for serious/chronic illness (?)
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(#6) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:35 AM
lobo_respawned:
#5: i think it depends on whether we want to see Singaporeans can think for themselves or not. If yes, then we open it up as an option for people to use. If no, let others continue to micromanage our own money.
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(#7) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:36 AM
unewolke:
I agree with the writer. Also there are people who do not work for money for one reason or another.
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(#8) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 11:49 AM
heartlander88:
#5 yes, we do agree in principle.
but i still maintain that medisave should be kept for more serious illnesses in hospital. medisave itself might not be enough.
medishield itself is inadequate to cover hospital treatment. the top up cash can be very painful, even with medisave.
so i maintain that basic health screening for simple basic chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and heart diseases should not use medisave.
but for treatment of such diseases, the government has already approved the use of medisave. yes for treatment and management ( that includes screening and follow-up - but up to $300 a year per account per disease).
so it is rather limited as well.
i know how fast medisave can be depleted because i've a personal experience in the hospital when my mum was admitted to the hospital.my mum has to use my brother's medisave which is also fast depleting - daily!so it's better to maintain a healthy medisave for hospital treatment.
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(#9) December 08, 2007 Saturday, 04:25 PM
reginale:
I agree, we need to be preventive instead of waiting till the last minute ?
S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health
"while Singapore does well on life expectancy charts, a different picture emerges when good health is tracked. ...
... (MOH) study confirmed that a lot of suffering and premature deaths come from diseases that could be prevented - such as heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Some cancers too could be caught early."
Home > Most Read Stories Dec 3, 2007
S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health
MOH study shows main causes of sickness are diseases that could be prevented early on
By Salma Khalik, Health Correspondent IF YOU needed another reason to lead a healthy lifestyle, here it is: A study shows that Singaporeans may be living longer now, but they are also sick for more years than people in some other countries.
The main culprits are heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and even mental illness.
Now, the average Singapore woman should live to 81.8, but she will spend eight of those years ill or disabled. Men too will spend eight of their 78 years in poor health.
So while Singapore does well on life expectancy charts, a different picture emerges when good health is tracked.
The Ministry of Health study confirmed that a lot of suffering and premature deaths come from diseases that could be prevented - such as heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Some cancers too could be caught early.
The prevalence of such diseases also suggests that more should be done to tell people what they can do to save themselves from becoming ill, said Dr Lam Pin Min, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health.
He called for more public education on how these ailments can be prevented, and screening to catch problems like diabetes and cancer early.
He added: 'With early detection of diseases, prompt medical treatment can hopefully minimise illness and medical complications.'
But health authorities can only do so much, argued unionist and Health GPC head Madam Halimah Yacob. People must take ownership of their health if they want to keep such illnesses at bay.
Her advice: 'Go for regular screening, eat more vegetables, less salt and do more exercise. That could cut the number of years you suffer from ill health.'
Dr Derrick Heng, deputy director of the Ministry of Health's non-communicable diseases branch said the study will guide the authorities on how to spend health resources.
But though it 'shines the torch' on diseases that cause the most suffering, the ministry will have to see which actually benefit from preventive measures.
The study will be repeated every three years, to track if the main causes of disability change, or are reduced, as the ministry puts in more effort to tackle them.
A surprising finding was how mental disorders count as much as diabetes and stroke for the wasted years. Mental health is getting a boost as the ministry has committed $80 million over the next five years to improving it.
Zooming in on problem areas could help Singapore catch up with countries that fare best - such as Japan, the top country in the world for long, healthy lives.
Japanese women live an average of 77.7 years in good health, compared to only 71.3 years for women here. Japanese men have 72.3 years of good health, compared to 68.8 years for Singapore men.
The ministry has already made the treatment and prevention of chronic disease a priority. People can now use money previously reserved for hospitalisation to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and stroke.
The intention is to treat those conditions early before complications set in.
Unfortunately the programme has not been popular, said Madam Halimah. She suggested expanding the use of Medisave money to include an annual health check.
Men should also take a leaf from their wives.
Women all over the world live longer and healthier lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) attributes it to their smoking less, exercising more and being more health conscious than men. As for Japan, its explanation is the low rate of cardiovascular diseases comes from their high-in-fish diets.
Madam Halimah said: 'We should also start eating more fish and less meat.'
salma@sph.com.sg
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_182755.html?vgnmr=1
... (MOH) study confirmed that a lot of suffering and premature deaths come from diseases that could be prevented - such as heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Some cancers too could be caught early."
Home > Most Read Stories Dec 3, 2007
S'poreans live longer but suffer 8 years of poor health
MOH study shows main causes of sickness are diseases that could be prevented early on
By Salma Khalik, Health Correspondent IF YOU needed another reason to lead a healthy lifestyle, here it is: A study shows that Singaporeans may be living longer now, but they are also sick for more years than people in some other countries.
The main culprits are heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes and even mental illness.
Now, the average Singapore woman should live to 81.8, but she will spend eight of those years ill or disabled. Men too will spend eight of their 78 years in poor health.
So while Singapore does well on life expectancy charts, a different picture emerges when good health is tracked.
The Ministry of Health study confirmed that a lot of suffering and premature deaths come from diseases that could be prevented - such as heart attacks, stroke and diabetes. Some cancers too could be caught early.
The prevalence of such diseases also suggests that more should be done to tell people what they can do to save themselves from becoming ill, said Dr Lam Pin Min, a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health.
He called for more public education on how these ailments can be prevented, and screening to catch problems like diabetes and cancer early.
He added: 'With early detection of diseases, prompt medical treatment can hopefully minimise illness and medical complications.'
But health authorities can only do so much, argued unionist and Health GPC head Madam Halimah Yacob. People must take ownership of their health if they want to keep such illnesses at bay.
Her advice: 'Go for regular screening, eat more vegetables, less salt and do more exercise. That could cut the number of years you suffer from ill health.'
Dr Derrick Heng, deputy director of the Ministry of Health's non-communicable diseases branch said the study will guide the authorities on how to spend health resources.
But though it 'shines the torch' on diseases that cause the most suffering, the ministry will have to see which actually benefit from preventive measures.
The study will be repeated every three years, to track if the main causes of disability change, or are reduced, as the ministry puts in more effort to tackle them.
A surprising finding was how mental disorders count as much as diabetes and stroke for the wasted years. Mental health is getting a boost as the ministry has committed $80 million over the next five years to improving it.
Zooming in on problem areas could help Singapore catch up with countries that fare best - such as Japan, the top country in the world for long, healthy lives.
Japanese women live an average of 77.7 years in good health, compared to only 71.3 years for women here. Japanese men have 72.3 years of good health, compared to 68.8 years for Singapore men.
The ministry has already made the treatment and prevention of chronic disease a priority. People can now use money previously reserved for hospitalisation to treat diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and stroke.
The intention is to treat those conditions early before complications set in.
Unfortunately the programme has not been popular, said Madam Halimah. She suggested expanding the use of Medisave money to include an annual health check.
Men should also take a leaf from their wives.
Women all over the world live longer and healthier lives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) attributes it to their smoking less, exercising more and being more health conscious than men. As for Japan, its explanation is the low rate of cardiovascular diseases comes from their high-in-fish diets.
Madam Halimah said: 'We should also start eating more fish and less meat.'
salma@sph.com.sg
http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_182755.html?vgnmr=1
Public hospitals need better queue system
Home > ST Forum > Story
Dec 8, 2007
Public hospitals need better queue system
THE queue system in public hospitals needs to be improved.
My child was born with a congenital health condition and needs to go for regular check-ups at KK Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, we have to take a queue number but the queue system is a random one so we never know how long we need to wait and how many patients are ahead of us.
Despite having a scheduled appointment, each visit would still require half an hour to more than two hours of waiting. We have to avoid going for food or toilet breaks in case we missed our turn.
A month ago, my father went for a check-up at the SingHealth polyclinic at Singapore General Hospital on account of chest pain. He was scheduled to undergo a physical examination and scan. Fortunately, the check-up showed that there were no major health problems.
However, the whole process took more than five hours. He arrived at the hospital about 10am and could not take his lunch as the queue system was also a random one and he didn't want to miss his turn.
Upon obtaining the scan results, he had his final consultation with the doctor after 3pm and was prescribed some painkillers.
My father was faint from hunger by then and he rejected the prescription as that would mean another wait at the pharmacy.
Most patients at hospitals are sick and may need rest but they have to queue for hours. It is especially tough on old folk and young children who are sick as they cannot afford to wait for hours in the virus-filled environment.
Since the Government has put so much money and effort into improving public-hospital standards, I hope it can look into a better queue system to enhance patients' experience.
Jessica Tan Pui See (Mrs)
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_184722.html
Dec 8, 2007
Public hospitals need better queue system
THE queue system in public hospitals needs to be improved.
My child was born with a congenital health condition and needs to go for regular check-ups at KK Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, we have to take a queue number but the queue system is a random one so we never know how long we need to wait and how many patients are ahead of us.
Despite having a scheduled appointment, each visit would still require half an hour to more than two hours of waiting. We have to avoid going for food or toilet breaks in case we missed our turn.
A month ago, my father went for a check-up at the SingHealth polyclinic at Singapore General Hospital on account of chest pain. He was scheduled to undergo a physical examination and scan. Fortunately, the check-up showed that there were no major health problems.
However, the whole process took more than five hours. He arrived at the hospital about 10am and could not take his lunch as the queue system was also a random one and he didn't want to miss his turn.
Upon obtaining the scan results, he had his final consultation with the doctor after 3pm and was prescribed some painkillers.
My father was faint from hunger by then and he rejected the prescription as that would mean another wait at the pharmacy.
Most patients at hospitals are sick and may need rest but they have to queue for hours. It is especially tough on old folk and young children who are sick as they cannot afford to wait for hours in the virus-filled environment.
Since the Government has put so much money and effort into improving public-hospital standards, I hope it can look into a better queue system to enhance patients' experience.
Jessica Tan Pui See (Mrs)
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_184722.html
Double whammy for low-income households
Home > ST Forum > Online Story
Dec 10, 2007
Double whammy for low-income households
IN THE midst of the current discussion over the increasing rate of inflation in Singapore, one issue has been left out.
This issue is especially germane, since higher inflation affects the less-well-off in Singapore society much more than those who are better off.
I am referring to the declining real, as opposed to the nominal, interest rate, for savings in Singapore. The gap between the two is caused by the recent increase in inflation, combined with a stagnation in the interest rate offered by financial institutions here.
According to monthly data available from the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) website (https://secure.sgs.gov.sg/apps/msbs/interestRatesOfBanksAndFinanceCompaniesForm.jsp), 12-month fixed deposit rates of banks have averaged 0.92 per cent (over the last five years, that is, 2002-2006) and 2.05 per cent (over the last 10 years), 2.56 per cent (over the last 15 years) and 3.02 per cent (over the last 20 years).
The bank savings rate has averaged 0.31 per cent (over the last five years), 1.12 per cent (over the last 10 years), 1.52 per cent (over the last 15 years) and 1.94 per cent (over the last 20 years). The picture is similar for finance companies.
Annual inflation data from the SingStats website (http://www.singstat.gov.sg) shows that the average was 0.7 per cent (over the last five years), 0.7 per cent (over the last 10 years), 1.2 per cent (over the last 15 years), and 1.5 per cent (over the last 20 years). This year, it is expected to be between 3 and 4 per cent.
Thus, low-income households have suffered doubly in the current Singapore economy: their purchasing power has fallen (because of higher inflation) while their ability to grow their savings has declined. It is doubtful whether next year's increase in inflation will lead to any rise in interest rates.
In addition, while higher-income households are aware of alternative options for increasing their returns, such as REITs, ETFs and commodity futures which have boomed in recent past, lower-income households are unable to take advantage of such financial innovations.
It's a situation full of despair for low-income households - while they are asked to spend more time enhancing their skills so they can earn more, whatever savings they do have or put aside are steadily being eroded.
Harminder Singh
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_184770.html
Latest comments (#1)newsstorm at Mon Dec 10 07:23:30 SGT 2007:
Plus, the richest 10% - 20% people in Singapore enjoy doubling, tripled or four-fold increase of their fixed assets like private properties and commercial properties and many made millions from en-bloc sales. HDB dwellers don't enjoy this at all. The rich also have their transport cost lowered. Lower import tax and road tax lead to the low cost of absolute car price over the years, a Japanese saloon car cost about $100,000 more than 10 years ago but now cost about $60,000. But public transport costs keep on going up and up. It pays to be a rich person in Singapore but the poor get to catch up with ever-increasing costs of living.
------
(#2)CallMeKP at Mon Dec 10 07:48:37 SGT 2007:
Dear Editor,
This letter should have been moved to the PRINTED VERSION. As a public media, you need to continually highlight the plights of the suffering average citizens.
Thanks
Dec 10, 2007
Double whammy for low-income households
IN THE midst of the current discussion over the increasing rate of inflation in Singapore, one issue has been left out.
This issue is especially germane, since higher inflation affects the less-well-off in Singapore society much more than those who are better off.
I am referring to the declining real, as opposed to the nominal, interest rate, for savings in Singapore. The gap between the two is caused by the recent increase in inflation, combined with a stagnation in the interest rate offered by financial institutions here.
According to monthly data available from the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) website (https://secure.sgs.gov.sg/apps/msbs/interestRatesOfBanksAndFinanceCompaniesForm.jsp), 12-month fixed deposit rates of banks have averaged 0.92 per cent (over the last five years, that is, 2002-2006) and 2.05 per cent (over the last 10 years), 2.56 per cent (over the last 15 years) and 3.02 per cent (over the last 20 years).
The bank savings rate has averaged 0.31 per cent (over the last five years), 1.12 per cent (over the last 10 years), 1.52 per cent (over the last 15 years) and 1.94 per cent (over the last 20 years). The picture is similar for finance companies.
Annual inflation data from the SingStats website (http://www.singstat.gov.sg) shows that the average was 0.7 per cent (over the last five years), 0.7 per cent (over the last 10 years), 1.2 per cent (over the last 15 years), and 1.5 per cent (over the last 20 years). This year, it is expected to be between 3 and 4 per cent.
Thus, low-income households have suffered doubly in the current Singapore economy: their purchasing power has fallen (because of higher inflation) while their ability to grow their savings has declined. It is doubtful whether next year's increase in inflation will lead to any rise in interest rates.
In addition, while higher-income households are aware of alternative options for increasing their returns, such as REITs, ETFs and commodity futures which have boomed in recent past, lower-income households are unable to take advantage of such financial innovations.
It's a situation full of despair for low-income households - while they are asked to spend more time enhancing their skills so they can earn more, whatever savings they do have or put aside are steadily being eroded.
Harminder Singh
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Online%2BStory/STIStory_184770.html
Latest comments (#1)newsstorm at Mon Dec 10 07:23:30 SGT 2007:
Plus, the richest 10% - 20% people in Singapore enjoy doubling, tripled or four-fold increase of their fixed assets like private properties and commercial properties and many made millions from en-bloc sales. HDB dwellers don't enjoy this at all. The rich also have their transport cost lowered. Lower import tax and road tax lead to the low cost of absolute car price over the years, a Japanese saloon car cost about $100,000 more than 10 years ago but now cost about $60,000. But public transport costs keep on going up and up. It pays to be a rich person in Singapore but the poor get to catch up with ever-increasing costs of living.
------
(#2)CallMeKP at Mon Dec 10 07:48:37 SGT 2007:
Dear Editor,
This letter should have been moved to the PRINTED VERSION. As a public media, you need to continually highlight the plights of the suffering average citizens.
Thanks
Home > ST Forum > Story
Dec 10, 2007
Have we lost the humanity to say 'sorry'?
WHY is it so hard to say 'I am sorry', or 'We apologise' when you make a mistake that vexes others?
It would seem that this inexcusable lapse in common courtesy is widespread, even among the highly educated.
Let me illustrate by sharing an experience of a close buddy of mine.
John (not his real name) went to a renowned hospital one Friday morning for a blood test. Later that day, his doctor asked him to go back for a retest. Reason: an abnormally high level of potassium in his blood that could spell trouble.
Concerned, John made his way back to the hospital after lunch and was made to wait at the A&E unit until 6.30pm (almost four hours) for the result.
The 73-year-old retiree was clearly upset about the painful wait as he recounted his experience.
It turned out that his blood profile was normal after all. Poor John was unceremoniously discharged - no explanation for the discrepancy in the first lab result, no acknowledgement of mistake, and not a word of apology for the false alarm, anxiety and inconvenience caused.
This is odd, especially for a hospital that prides itself on the provision of high-quality patient care. One would think that, as a complement to its excellent medical expertise, the mission of this hospital (or for that matter any decently run hospital) would be better served by the graciousness and sensitivity of its staff.
What happened to John may seem trivial but it is not. Neither is it an isolated incident as the word 'sorry', sad to say, is rarely heard these days when it should be a natural and spontaneous response in such situations.
Perhaps it is the hectic way of life here that has over the years inured many Singaporeans to the point of abject apathy on how decent folk ought to treat one another.
That is sad but we must not find excuses for our shortcomings. This innate and instinctive part of ourselves that makes us human need not be lost forever if we, first, don't allow ourselves to live in denial and, second, make a conscientious effort to change for the better.
The change will take time, but it will be worth it for, if nothing else, we could at least say with some pride (and without apologies!) that we are truly a 'developed nation'.
Lee Seck Kay
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_185124.html
Dec 10, 2007
Have we lost the humanity to say 'sorry'?
WHY is it so hard to say 'I am sorry', or 'We apologise' when you make a mistake that vexes others?
It would seem that this inexcusable lapse in common courtesy is widespread, even among the highly educated.
Let me illustrate by sharing an experience of a close buddy of mine.
John (not his real name) went to a renowned hospital one Friday morning for a blood test. Later that day, his doctor asked him to go back for a retest. Reason: an abnormally high level of potassium in his blood that could spell trouble.
Concerned, John made his way back to the hospital after lunch and was made to wait at the A&E unit until 6.30pm (almost four hours) for the result.
The 73-year-old retiree was clearly upset about the painful wait as he recounted his experience.
It turned out that his blood profile was normal after all. Poor John was unceremoniously discharged - no explanation for the discrepancy in the first lab result, no acknowledgement of mistake, and not a word of apology for the false alarm, anxiety and inconvenience caused.
This is odd, especially for a hospital that prides itself on the provision of high-quality patient care. One would think that, as a complement to its excellent medical expertise, the mission of this hospital (or for that matter any decently run hospital) would be better served by the graciousness and sensitivity of its staff.
What happened to John may seem trivial but it is not. Neither is it an isolated incident as the word 'sorry', sad to say, is rarely heard these days when it should be a natural and spontaneous response in such situations.
Perhaps it is the hectic way of life here that has over the years inured many Singaporeans to the point of abject apathy on how decent folk ought to treat one another.
That is sad but we must not find excuses for our shortcomings. This innate and instinctive part of ourselves that makes us human need not be lost forever if we, first, don't allow ourselves to live in denial and, second, make a conscientious effort to change for the better.
The change will take time, but it will be worth it for, if nothing else, we could at least say with some pride (and without apologies!) that we are truly a 'developed nation'.
Lee Seck Kay
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST%2BForum/Story/STIStory_185124.html
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A complaint about the quality control of SAF officers
" ...a story of a single bad officer, the fact that it was not dealt with more severely is indicative of a bigger problem. It shows the lack of quality control being practiced for the leaders of the SAF. "Thought I too should host a (slightly truncated) 'copy' in honour of Moral Integrity…,
http://blog.simplyjean.com/2007/07/13/st-pm-lees-son-reprimanded-by-saf-for-misconduct/
http://rockson.blogspot.com/2007/07/pm-son-shoot-email-complain-saf.html
From: 2LT Li Hongyi, _____ PC, _____
Sent: Thursday, 28 June 2007 9:36 AM
To: ___ ____ ____, Minister, MHQ; MG ______ ____, CDF, CDF Office; BG -___ ____ ____, COA,COAOFF; COL _______, CSO, _______; zz All in ____, _________Cc: zz All in ________, _____; zz ALL IN ____, _____; zz All in _____, _____; zz All in ______, ______
Subject: A complaint about the quality control of SAF officers
Dear Sirs and alI,
I am about to disrupt my national service to pursue further studies, and this will likely be my last email sent out for the next half a decade. Unlike the common "ORD letters" that you read, this letter unfortunately cannot be as cheerful.
I am using this last opportunity to issue a letter of complaint against the quality control of officers in the SAF, more specifically against LTA X. During my time as his subordinate, LTA X was AWOL on at least 2 counts, attempted bribery, and lied to his subordinates and his superior officer.
The battalion HQ has effectively given no punishment, and has not even made these infractions known to the rest of the battalion.
Let me first give you some background. I am the ____ ____ platoon commander from __________.
In order to maintain operational readiness my duties are performed at _____ camp where our ops bus and servers are instead of at stagmont camp where our battalion is. The company is structured like so
OCCentre HeadPC
The duties are therefore shared between the PC's, PS', and the Centre Head. LTA X is the centre head of the __________.
LTA X, was originally supposed to be on duty at _____ Camp as the duty commander for the _______ on the 20th and 22nd of April, a Friday and Sunday respectively. I was on duty on the 21st of April that Saturday, to minimize the changing over, I contacted him and asked if he would like to swap duties for the Saturday and Sunday. To this he agreed, and thus he was to be on duty on the 20th and 21st of April.
On the Friday however, LTA X called to inform me that he was busy during the day, and if I could cover for him until the evening. To this I agreed to do so. At about 1600 hours, I received a call from LTA X, informing me that he was on the way and that I could leave first, thought this would result in a time where there would be no duty commander in camp, he informed me that this had already be cleared with our OC. I therefore left camp.
On Sunday the 22nd of April I arrived back in camp to take over duty from LTA X. After he had left camp the men informed me that he had not arrived in camp on Friday at all, and that he only arrived in camp at 1800 hours on Saturday the 21st of April. On Saturday they had tried to contact him to ask his whereabouts, to which he told them that he was in fact in _____ in ______ camp getting some work done. The men contacted their counterparts in ______ camp to verify this, however no one in______ camp had seen LTA X.
1 further confirmed with the ______ duty personnel on Saturday that none of them had seen LTA X, this was also with confirmed with that day's BDO.
This news obviously was very distressing, I confronted LTA X regarding this information to which he confirmed that he only arrived in camp on Saturday at 1800 hours, but that he was at _____ for a while then left later to run some errands. Upon learning that I was to bring this information to our OC, LTA X then made an offer to do some of my duties for me to which I declined, his words were "You know if you need me to help you do some of your duties.."
On Wednesday after I had completed my personal investigation and confirmed that these events had indeed transpired, I informed our OC of these offences. Our OC spoke to LTA X regarding these issues, and let him off with a warning.
I would like the story to end here, however LTA RX was again on duty at ____ Camp for _________ on the following Saturday the 28th of April. At 0030 hours on Sunday the 29th of April I received a message from the duty personnel. The duty personnel of the platoon had just spotted LTA X's car, a white Mitsubishi lancer driving out of camp. I responded by telling them to check all the car parks and look for LTA X in camp. I received a call at about 0115 hours, the duty personnel informed me that they had checked the whole camp, and that LTA X's car was no where to be found. They also informed me that LTA X was no where to be found, not in any of the bunks nor any of the offices.
On Monday the 20th of April when I arrived back in ______ Camp for work, I confirmed with both the guard commander and the duty officer for Saturday the 28th of April, that at white Mitsubishi lancer had indeed driven out of camp at about 0030 hours on the 29th of April. This latest information was told to our OC.
When confronted by our OC, LTA X told him that indeed it was his car driving out of camp, he claimed however, that it was not him driving the car but that he had lent it to friend to drive out of camp. After checking with the person in question this was established to be untrue. Finally, LTA X admitted that he had lied, and that is was he who had left camp.
I have been informed that LTA X was to be given 10 extra duties, though this may be considered an extremely light punishment there is a further problem. To date, which is to say, 2 months from the incidents, none of the duties have been published in the battalion RO, in addition, LTA X has not served any of the extra duties he was supposedly awarded. In addition, this system of leniency is not consistent throughout the battalion, or even the company. The following was published in the RO on 1 1th of June 2007:
SXXXXXXXX CPL _____ ________ Non-compliance with a lawful duty or order. stoppage of Leave for 7 days
This was the punishment for CPL ______ for leaving camp an hour before he was supposed to. This was published less than a week after his infringement. If you were to calculate the time AWOL alone, LTA X was missing for a minimum of over 20 hours. This does not take into the account the fact that he repeated the crime less than a week after being reprimanded the first time. This does not take into account the lying to his superior officer. This does not take into account the fact that he is an officer, and thus should be even more liable than corporal.
Absence without leave22. -(1) Every person subject to military law who is absent without leave from service in the Singapore Armed Forces or from the place where he is lawfully required for the time being to be shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.(2) It shall be a defence for any person charged under this section to prove that his absence was a result of circumstances over which he had no control.
this is where the report ends and the editorial begins. LTA X's continued service in the SAF is an embarrassment the entire officer corps. In the SAF we are constantly being told that we have very high standards expected from our officers. As an officer cadet any one of these actions would have you put immediately out of course. Here you have a person who lied to his subordinates, went AWOL, attempted to bribe a civil servant, went AWOL again not even a week after being reprimanded, then lied to cover himself, and tried to implicate another person in these lies. He discarded his second chance just days after being given it because he thought he could get away with it. I how ask you what exactly are these high standard that we speak of? I am realistically asking you how much worse than this can an officer really go? Does a person have to commit armed robbery or murder before he fails these supposedly "high" standards of officers in the SAF? I simply fail to understand how someone who would undeniably fail the standards expected of a cadet or even a private can continue to be an officer.
The decisions of the battalion HQ are equally saddening. How can a lower standard of discipline be expected of officers than of men? In the our society, when a police officer commits a crime he is held to an even higher standard, and given even greater punishment than a normal citizen, this is because he has betrayed the very values it is his duty to uphold.
I was told that one of the reasons this was so was that they did not wish to ruin his career with a summary trial. However the SAF is not a charity organisation and does not owe anyone a career. I feel that as a regular his status as an officer and his career should be under even closer scrutiny than that of an NSF, to intentionally withhold such information is effectively tricking the SAF into continuing to pay someone whom if all is known, has no place in the organisation.
Another reason told to me for LTA X's lighter punishment was that it is in light of the work he has done for the battalion, I feel this is unacceptable for several reasons. Firstly in our country we do not mitigate punishments based on past achievements, Durai was not excused despite the amount of money he helped NKF raise, and a doctor would not be excused from molestation no matter how many lives he has helped save. Secondly such mitigation is nothing more than justified corruption and no different from a criminal paying off the police to escape arrest, the very thing we fight so hard to keep out of our society, Finally even if the previous two points are conceded, what LTA X did was not a mistake, mistakes are done by accident. What he has demonstrated is a systematic failure of character and unacceptable as an officer.
Even if you attribute the lack of punishment to extreme leniency, the decision to not inform the battalion is even more suspicious. Especially in a _____ unit such as _________ where the importance of being on duty cannot be over emphasized, to not even inform the battalion of the occurrence is to send a signal that there is nothing wrong with his actions. If it was unintentional it shows gross negligence for something which is clearly an important matter, and if intentional shows a level of corruption that I need not elaborate on.
While some might say this is just a small matter, a story of a single bad officer, the fact that it was not dealt with more severely is indicative of a bigger problem. It shows the lack of quality control being practiced for the leaders of the SAF. The following quote was taken from the army's own intranet homepage:
"In the 3rd Generation SAF, the quality and commitment of our people will continue to be the most important determinant for advancement" - Member of Parliament Ms Indranee Rajah
We can take criticism about having second hand equipment, outdated training methods, and even questionable relevance to modern day operations. But one thing that cannot be tolerated is a reputation for having bad leaders. Such a reputation would compromise Singapore's defence credibility far more than using refurbished tanks or old training manuals.
While I may only be a 2nd lieutenant, I am a citizen of this country. And as a citizen I have the right to demand high standards from the leaders of the SAF While it is true that high standards are hard to come by and even harder to enforce, for such events to come to light and yet nothing be done about it is to say the very least, unacceptable and disappointing.
Yours Sincerely,
2LT Li Hongyi -___________ Commander
http://rockson.blogspot.com/2007/07/pm-son-shoot-email-complain-saf.html
From: 2LT Li Hongyi, _____ PC, _____
Sent: Thursday, 28 June 2007 9:36 AM
To: ___ ____ ____, Minister, MHQ; MG ______ ____, CDF, CDF Office; BG -___ ____ ____, COA,COAOFF; COL _______, CSO, _______; zz All in ____, _________Cc: zz All in ________, _____; zz ALL IN ____, _____; zz All in _____, _____; zz All in ______, ______
Subject: A complaint about the quality control of SAF officers
Dear Sirs and alI,
I am about to disrupt my national service to pursue further studies, and this will likely be my last email sent out for the next half a decade. Unlike the common "ORD letters" that you read, this letter unfortunately cannot be as cheerful.
I am using this last opportunity to issue a letter of complaint against the quality control of officers in the SAF, more specifically against LTA X. During my time as his subordinate, LTA X was AWOL on at least 2 counts, attempted bribery, and lied to his subordinates and his superior officer.
The battalion HQ has effectively given no punishment, and has not even made these infractions known to the rest of the battalion.
Let me first give you some background. I am the ____ ____ platoon commander from __________.
In order to maintain operational readiness my duties are performed at _____ camp where our ops bus and servers are instead of at stagmont camp where our battalion is. The company is structured like so
OCCentre HeadPC
The duties are therefore shared between the PC's, PS', and the Centre Head. LTA X is the centre head of the __________.
LTA X, was originally supposed to be on duty at _____ Camp as the duty commander for the _______ on the 20th and 22nd of April, a Friday and Sunday respectively. I was on duty on the 21st of April that Saturday, to minimize the changing over, I contacted him and asked if he would like to swap duties for the Saturday and Sunday. To this he agreed, and thus he was to be on duty on the 20th and 21st of April.
On the Friday however, LTA X called to inform me that he was busy during the day, and if I could cover for him until the evening. To this I agreed to do so. At about 1600 hours, I received a call from LTA X, informing me that he was on the way and that I could leave first, thought this would result in a time where there would be no duty commander in camp, he informed me that this had already be cleared with our OC. I therefore left camp.
On Sunday the 22nd of April I arrived back in camp to take over duty from LTA X. After he had left camp the men informed me that he had not arrived in camp on Friday at all, and that he only arrived in camp at 1800 hours on Saturday the 21st of April. On Saturday they had tried to contact him to ask his whereabouts, to which he told them that he was in fact in _____ in ______ camp getting some work done. The men contacted their counterparts in ______ camp to verify this, however no one in______ camp had seen LTA X.
1 further confirmed with the ______ duty personnel on Saturday that none of them had seen LTA X, this was also with confirmed with that day's BDO.
This news obviously was very distressing, I confronted LTA X regarding this information to which he confirmed that he only arrived in camp on Saturday at 1800 hours, but that he was at _____ for a while then left later to run some errands. Upon learning that I was to bring this information to our OC, LTA X then made an offer to do some of my duties for me to which I declined, his words were "You know if you need me to help you do some of your duties.."
On Wednesday after I had completed my personal investigation and confirmed that these events had indeed transpired, I informed our OC of these offences. Our OC spoke to LTA X regarding these issues, and let him off with a warning.
I would like the story to end here, however LTA RX was again on duty at ____ Camp for _________ on the following Saturday the 28th of April. At 0030 hours on Sunday the 29th of April I received a message from the duty personnel. The duty personnel of the platoon had just spotted LTA X's car, a white Mitsubishi lancer driving out of camp. I responded by telling them to check all the car parks and look for LTA X in camp. I received a call at about 0115 hours, the duty personnel informed me that they had checked the whole camp, and that LTA X's car was no where to be found. They also informed me that LTA X was no where to be found, not in any of the bunks nor any of the offices.
On Monday the 20th of April when I arrived back in ______ Camp for work, I confirmed with both the guard commander and the duty officer for Saturday the 28th of April, that at white Mitsubishi lancer had indeed driven out of camp at about 0030 hours on the 29th of April. This latest information was told to our OC.
When confronted by our OC, LTA X told him that indeed it was his car driving out of camp, he claimed however, that it was not him driving the car but that he had lent it to friend to drive out of camp. After checking with the person in question this was established to be untrue. Finally, LTA X admitted that he had lied, and that is was he who had left camp.
I have been informed that LTA X was to be given 10 extra duties, though this may be considered an extremely light punishment there is a further problem. To date, which is to say, 2 months from the incidents, none of the duties have been published in the battalion RO, in addition, LTA X has not served any of the extra duties he was supposedly awarded. In addition, this system of leniency is not consistent throughout the battalion, or even the company. The following was published in the RO on 1 1th of June 2007:
SXXXXXXXX CPL _____ ________ Non-compliance with a lawful duty or order. stoppage of Leave for 7 days
This was the punishment for CPL ______ for leaving camp an hour before he was supposed to. This was published less than a week after his infringement. If you were to calculate the time AWOL alone, LTA X was missing for a minimum of over 20 hours. This does not take into the account the fact that he repeated the crime less than a week after being reprimanded the first time. This does not take into account the lying to his superior officer. This does not take into account the fact that he is an officer, and thus should be even more liable than corporal.
Absence without leave22. -(1) Every person subject to military law who is absent without leave from service in the Singapore Armed Forces or from the place where he is lawfully required for the time being to be shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a subordinate military court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or any less punishment authorised by this Act.(2) It shall be a defence for any person charged under this section to prove that his absence was a result of circumstances over which he had no control.
this is where the report ends and the editorial begins. LTA X's continued service in the SAF is an embarrassment the entire officer corps. In the SAF we are constantly being told that we have very high standards expected from our officers. As an officer cadet any one of these actions would have you put immediately out of course. Here you have a person who lied to his subordinates, went AWOL, attempted to bribe a civil servant, went AWOL again not even a week after being reprimanded, then lied to cover himself, and tried to implicate another person in these lies. He discarded his second chance just days after being given it because he thought he could get away with it. I how ask you what exactly are these high standard that we speak of? I am realistically asking you how much worse than this can an officer really go? Does a person have to commit armed robbery or murder before he fails these supposedly "high" standards of officers in the SAF? I simply fail to understand how someone who would undeniably fail the standards expected of a cadet or even a private can continue to be an officer.
The decisions of the battalion HQ are equally saddening. How can a lower standard of discipline be expected of officers than of men? In the our society, when a police officer commits a crime he is held to an even higher standard, and given even greater punishment than a normal citizen, this is because he has betrayed the very values it is his duty to uphold.
I was told that one of the reasons this was so was that they did not wish to ruin his career with a summary trial. However the SAF is not a charity organisation and does not owe anyone a career. I feel that as a regular his status as an officer and his career should be under even closer scrutiny than that of an NSF, to intentionally withhold such information is effectively tricking the SAF into continuing to pay someone whom if all is known, has no place in the organisation.
Another reason told to me for LTA X's lighter punishment was that it is in light of the work he has done for the battalion, I feel this is unacceptable for several reasons. Firstly in our country we do not mitigate punishments based on past achievements, Durai was not excused despite the amount of money he helped NKF raise, and a doctor would not be excused from molestation no matter how many lives he has helped save. Secondly such mitigation is nothing more than justified corruption and no different from a criminal paying off the police to escape arrest, the very thing we fight so hard to keep out of our society, Finally even if the previous two points are conceded, what LTA X did was not a mistake, mistakes are done by accident. What he has demonstrated is a systematic failure of character and unacceptable as an officer.
Even if you attribute the lack of punishment to extreme leniency, the decision to not inform the battalion is even more suspicious. Especially in a _____ unit such as _________ where the importance of being on duty cannot be over emphasized, to not even inform the battalion of the occurrence is to send a signal that there is nothing wrong with his actions. If it was unintentional it shows gross negligence for something which is clearly an important matter, and if intentional shows a level of corruption that I need not elaborate on.
While some might say this is just a small matter, a story of a single bad officer, the fact that it was not dealt with more severely is indicative of a bigger problem. It shows the lack of quality control being practiced for the leaders of the SAF. The following quote was taken from the army's own intranet homepage:
"In the 3rd Generation SAF, the quality and commitment of our people will continue to be the most important determinant for advancement" - Member of Parliament Ms Indranee Rajah
We can take criticism about having second hand equipment, outdated training methods, and even questionable relevance to modern day operations. But one thing that cannot be tolerated is a reputation for having bad leaders. Such a reputation would compromise Singapore's defence credibility far more than using refurbished tanks or old training manuals.
While I may only be a 2nd lieutenant, I am a citizen of this country. And as a citizen I have the right to demand high standards from the leaders of the SAF While it is true that high standards are hard to come by and even harder to enforce, for such events to come to light and yet nothing be done about it is to say the very least, unacceptable and disappointing.
Yours Sincerely,
2LT Li Hongyi -___________ Commander
HSA must banish trans fats
HSA must banish trans fats
Thursday • October 5, 2006
Letter from Heng Cho Choon
Mr Richard Seah's article "We know fat lot about trans fats" (Oct 3) should sound alarm bells in the minds of readers who were blissfully ignorant about the dangers of trans fats in common items like margarine and pastries.
In 2003, BanTransFats.com Inc, a United States non-profit organisation, filed a lawsuit against food manufacturer Kraft Foods, in an attempt to force Kraft to remove trans fats from the Oreo cookie. The lawsuit was withdrawn when Kraft agreed to work on ways to find a substitute for the trans fat. This brought the trans fat issue to public attention.
Trans fat is an artery-clogging fat formed when vegetable oils harden into margarine. It is found in foods like fried chicken, doughnuts and cookies.
Food companies are not all required to list on nutrition labels so consumers have no way of knowing how much trans fat is in the food they are consuming. So far, Lipton and Nestle have taken steps to eliminate trans fat in their products.
Cadbury is also considering doing so in the near future.
The Health Sciences Authority's (HSA) vision is to be the leading innovative authority protecting and advancing national health and safety. I hope HSA will ensure our local food companies do away with trans fats in their products.T
he Health Promotion Board (HPB) in its section "Health at School" says that it is concerned with children who are exposed to smoking, obesity, sedentary behaviour, myopia, mental health and Aids. Nowhere is it stated on its website that the HPB is actively promoting the removal of trans fats from the food our kids are consuming in schools.
Thursday • October 5, 2006
Letter from Heng Cho Choon
Mr Richard Seah's article "We know fat lot about trans fats" (Oct 3) should sound alarm bells in the minds of readers who were blissfully ignorant about the dangers of trans fats in common items like margarine and pastries.
In 2003, BanTransFats.com Inc, a United States non-profit organisation, filed a lawsuit against food manufacturer Kraft Foods, in an attempt to force Kraft to remove trans fats from the Oreo cookie. The lawsuit was withdrawn when Kraft agreed to work on ways to find a substitute for the trans fat. This brought the trans fat issue to public attention.
Trans fat is an artery-clogging fat formed when vegetable oils harden into margarine. It is found in foods like fried chicken, doughnuts and cookies.
Food companies are not all required to list on nutrition labels so consumers have no way of knowing how much trans fat is in the food they are consuming. So far, Lipton and Nestle have taken steps to eliminate trans fat in their products.
Cadbury is also considering doing so in the near future.
The Health Sciences Authority's (HSA) vision is to be the leading innovative authority protecting and advancing national health and safety. I hope HSA will ensure our local food companies do away with trans fats in their products.T
he Health Promotion Board (HPB) in its section "Health at School" says that it is concerned with children who are exposed to smoking, obesity, sedentary behaviour, myopia, mental health and Aids. Nowhere is it stated on its website that the HPB is actively promoting the removal of trans fats from the food our kids are consuming in schools.
ST: Man who pushed girlfriend onto MRT track gets 2 more years
"'Who is the real Mr Kwong?' Justice Rajah asked at least three times"
-This is a bad joke... how can prosecution take >1yr to file appeal, resentencing someone after his release from prision? Has criminal justice system become a circus, waste of $$$ n wayang show?Any decent defence lawyer should cite:
http://consumer-protection1.blogspot.com/2007/10/police-at-fault-so-discount-for-convict.html as a mitigating factor and totally embarass the police/ justice system!!!
Home > Latest News > Courts and Crime
Nov 13, 2007
Man who pushed girlfriend onto MRT track gets 2 more years
Court of Appeal ups his jail term from one to three years after prosecution appealed. By Selina Lum THE man who had been handed one year in jail in May for pushing his former girlfriend into the path of an oncoming MRT train
on Tuesday had his sentence upped to three years after an appeal by the prosecution. But 26-year-old Kwong Kok Hing, a permanent resident who returned to Malaysia after being released from prison, was not in
court to hear his increased sentence.
Kwong now has up till Dec 3 to surrender to the authorities, failing which the prosecution can apply for a warrant of arrest
to be issued against him.
The Court of Appeal - Justices Andrew Phang, V. K. Rajah and Tan Lee Meng - will deliver detailed reasons for their decision
at a later date.
One issue that is likely to factor in their judgment is how two different pictures have been painted of Kwong - but the High
Court judge who sentenced him appeared to have been influenced only by one.
'Who is the real Mr Kwong?' Justice Rajah asked at least three times.
On Sept 14 last year, Kwong pushed Ms Jenny Low Siew Mui, 26, off the platform just as a train was pulling into the Clementi
MRT station.
She had ended their turbulent two-year relationship a few days earlier but he wanted to patch things up.
Ms Low narrowly escaped death when she made a dash for safety just a split second before the train hurtled past her. Her feat
of agility was captured by a closed-circuit television camera and played in court .
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Courts%2Band%2BCrime/STIStory_176392.html
-This is a bad joke... how can prosecution take >1yr to file appeal, resentencing someone after his release from prision? Has criminal justice system become a circus, waste of $$$ n wayang show?Any decent defence lawyer should cite:
http://consumer-protection1.blogspot.com/2007/10/police-at-fault-so-discount-for-convict.html as a mitigating factor and totally embarass the police/ justice system!!!
Home > Latest News > Courts and Crime
Nov 13, 2007
Man who pushed girlfriend onto MRT track gets 2 more years
Court of Appeal ups his jail term from one to three years after prosecution appealed. By Selina Lum THE man who had been handed one year in jail in May for pushing his former girlfriend into the path of an oncoming MRT train
on Tuesday had his sentence upped to three years after an appeal by the prosecution. But 26-year-old Kwong Kok Hing, a permanent resident who returned to Malaysia after being released from prison, was not in
court to hear his increased sentence.
Kwong now has up till Dec 3 to surrender to the authorities, failing which the prosecution can apply for a warrant of arrest
to be issued against him.
The Court of Appeal - Justices Andrew Phang, V. K. Rajah and Tan Lee Meng - will deliver detailed reasons for their decision
at a later date.
One issue that is likely to factor in their judgment is how two different pictures have been painted of Kwong - but the High
Court judge who sentenced him appeared to have been influenced only by one.
'Who is the real Mr Kwong?' Justice Rajah asked at least three times.
On Sept 14 last year, Kwong pushed Ms Jenny Low Siew Mui, 26, off the platform just as a train was pulling into the Clementi
MRT station.
She had ended their turbulent two-year relationship a few days earlier but he wanted to patch things up.
Ms Low narrowly escaped death when she made a dash for safety just a split second before the train hurtled past her. Her feat
of agility was captured by a closed-circuit television camera and played in court .
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Courts%2Band%2BCrime/STIStory_176392.html
TNP: HARASSED BY LOAN SHARKS
"Debtors' neighbours feel loan sharks' fury"- Terrible...
HARASSED BY LOAN SHARKS
10,000 cases last year That makes it 27 police reports daily
By Joyce Lim November 11, 2007
10,000 cases last year That makes it 27 police reports daily
By Joyce Lim November 11, 2007
THINK the 10,000 figure is startling? It gets even worse.
In this case in 2003, Mr Raymond Leng allowed the previous owner of the flat to stay for another month after he bought the flat, but then had to face the wrath of loan sharks. -- File pictures
On one busted loan shark syndicate's database, there were 1,000 debtors. These ah longs (loan sharks) were dealing in $500,000 every month.
Another had 500 debtors, with a turnover of $80,000 a month.
The loan sharks' tactics are also getting bolder - they use debtors to do the dirty work.
And they harass the debtors' neighbours.
The notorious Ah Long San (former loan shark Chua Tiong Tiong) was jailed in 2001, but three equally dangerous characters who go by the nicknames Tiger, Carlsberg and Rolex have taken his place.
These three men run loan sharking syndicates and have groups of runners helping them.
The police have nabbed some of their henchmen in recent months.
The cops are taking a tough stance because the number of loan shark related harassment cases has gone up.
(Above) The door of this debtor resembles a colour palette, as he owes at least 18 loan sharks. In 2005, there were 8,568 police reports lodged, before the figure shot past 10,000 last year.
In the first half of this year, four major intelligence-driven operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 32 suspects, police spokesman assistant superintendent Toh Boon Ngee told The New Paper.
'In April, police busted a syndicate (with 1,000 debtors)... that was responsible for at least 230 cases of harassment island-wide,' added ASPToh.
Last month, police said they had conducted raids against loan sharks at Yishun, Hougang and Eunos and arrested three men between 32 and 39 years old.
Over $100,000 in cash and other items such as computer storage devices and handphones were seized.
RECRUITING YOUTHS
From the arrests made, the police noticed a worrying trend of loan sharks recruiting youths and debtors to assist them in their unlicensed moneylending and harassment activities.
The debtors-turned-runners are forced to open bank accounts under their names for illegal money transactions.
This means the loan sharks can stay out of the picture if the police discover the accounts.
The police said that three months ago, one of Tiger's runners was arrested. This man has since been sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment and 2 strokes of the cane.
(Above) In this file picture, the warning from loan sharks were found on the fourth floor of this flat although the debtor lives on the 10th floor. The 32-year-old had taken a loan from Tiger last November, which he could not repay.
To clear his debt, he worked as Tiger's runner, assisting the man to withdraw and transfer money through ATMs.
In another operation in June, a 19-year-old national serviceman was arrested for abetment of unlicensed moneylending. He had been working for both Carlsberg and Rolex.
Between February and June this year, he helped to collect repayments from debtors and performed ATM transactions for Rolex. Earlier, he was also helping Carlsberg collect repayments.
If the debtors could not pay, he would harass them by splashing coffee at their homes.
He has been sentenced to two years supervised probation and 150 hours of community service.
ASP Toh said: 'Police take a serious view of unlicensed moneylending and harassment offences and will continue to act against the offenders.
Police will not hesitate to take action against debtors who are found to be assisting unlicensed moneylenders in their illegal activities.'
Those who harass or intimidate anyone in connection with loans by an unlicensed moneylender face a maximum fine of $40,000, or up to three years in jail, or both.
Those who damage property as part of the harassment can also be caned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debtors' neighbours feel loan sharks' fury
HE owes nothing to loan sharks, yet his door has been splashed with paint on numerous occasions.
Mr Tan is the victim of the loanshark's new tactic of harassing the neighbours of debtors.
He found out that a neighbour had once borrowed money from loan sharks.
The retiree said in Mandarin: 'I know she feels bad about what happened. I never scold her. What for? It's beyond her control.
'She did apologise to us and told us that she has already cleared the debt so many years ago. But the loan sharks still return to vandalise.
'We have already informed the police. We can only leave it to the police to do their job.'
Others in Mr Tan's Bedok Reservoir Road neighbourhood have also been harassed by loan sharks.
Mr Low, 59, who lives one floor below Mr Tan, has also found fresh paint on his door on a few occasions.
Last week, another neighbour returned home after work to find the grille gate locked with a bicycle chain.
LOCKED INSIDE FLAT
Said the neighbour, Mr Ng Cheng Heng: 'My son was locked inside the flat. What if something happened and he was trapped?
'The loan shark should go after the person who owed them money, not the neighbours.'
The 48-year-old marketing executive lives with his wife and son in a four-room flat below the resident who had borrowed from the loan sharks.
When approached, the resident, who declined to be named, admitted that her husband had taken a loan from a loan shark five years ago. But they claimed they have since cleared the debt.
Said the middle-aged woman: 'I don't know why the loan sharks keep harassing my neighbours. Now when I see them I feel very malu (Malay for embarrassed).
'We don't know which loanshark is doing this. My husband even took a day off work and stayed home, hoping to catch the loan shark who vandalised my neighbours' flats. But they did not turn up.'
Her neighbour, Mr Tan, joked: 'We're no longer disturbed by the loan sharks. When they splash red paint, I'll paint my door red. And if the paint is black, my new door colour will be black.'
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,147381,00.html?
In this case in 2003, Mr Raymond Leng allowed the previous owner of the flat to stay for another month after he bought the flat, but then had to face the wrath of loan sharks. -- File pictures
On one busted loan shark syndicate's database, there were 1,000 debtors. These ah longs (loan sharks) were dealing in $500,000 every month.
Another had 500 debtors, with a turnover of $80,000 a month.
The loan sharks' tactics are also getting bolder - they use debtors to do the dirty work.
And they harass the debtors' neighbours.
The notorious Ah Long San (former loan shark Chua Tiong Tiong) was jailed in 2001, but three equally dangerous characters who go by the nicknames Tiger, Carlsberg and Rolex have taken his place.
These three men run loan sharking syndicates and have groups of runners helping them.
The police have nabbed some of their henchmen in recent months.
The cops are taking a tough stance because the number of loan shark related harassment cases has gone up.
(Above) The door of this debtor resembles a colour palette, as he owes at least 18 loan sharks. In 2005, there were 8,568 police reports lodged, before the figure shot past 10,000 last year.
In the first half of this year, four major intelligence-driven operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 32 suspects, police spokesman assistant superintendent Toh Boon Ngee told The New Paper.
'In April, police busted a syndicate (with 1,000 debtors)... that was responsible for at least 230 cases of harassment island-wide,' added ASPToh.
Last month, police said they had conducted raids against loan sharks at Yishun, Hougang and Eunos and arrested three men between 32 and 39 years old.
Over $100,000 in cash and other items such as computer storage devices and handphones were seized.
RECRUITING YOUTHS
From the arrests made, the police noticed a worrying trend of loan sharks recruiting youths and debtors to assist them in their unlicensed moneylending and harassment activities.
The debtors-turned-runners are forced to open bank accounts under their names for illegal money transactions.
This means the loan sharks can stay out of the picture if the police discover the accounts.
The police said that three months ago, one of Tiger's runners was arrested. This man has since been sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment and 2 strokes of the cane.
(Above) In this file picture, the warning from loan sharks were found on the fourth floor of this flat although the debtor lives on the 10th floor. The 32-year-old had taken a loan from Tiger last November, which he could not repay.
To clear his debt, he worked as Tiger's runner, assisting the man to withdraw and transfer money through ATMs.
In another operation in June, a 19-year-old national serviceman was arrested for abetment of unlicensed moneylending. He had been working for both Carlsberg and Rolex.
Between February and June this year, he helped to collect repayments from debtors and performed ATM transactions for Rolex. Earlier, he was also helping Carlsberg collect repayments.
If the debtors could not pay, he would harass them by splashing coffee at their homes.
He has been sentenced to two years supervised probation and 150 hours of community service.
ASP Toh said: 'Police take a serious view of unlicensed moneylending and harassment offences and will continue to act against the offenders.
Police will not hesitate to take action against debtors who are found to be assisting unlicensed moneylenders in their illegal activities.'
Those who harass or intimidate anyone in connection with loans by an unlicensed moneylender face a maximum fine of $40,000, or up to three years in jail, or both.
Those who damage property as part of the harassment can also be caned.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debtors' neighbours feel loan sharks' fury
HE owes nothing to loan sharks, yet his door has been splashed with paint on numerous occasions.
Mr Tan is the victim of the loanshark's new tactic of harassing the neighbours of debtors.
He found out that a neighbour had once borrowed money from loan sharks.
The retiree said in Mandarin: 'I know she feels bad about what happened. I never scold her. What for? It's beyond her control.
'She did apologise to us and told us that she has already cleared the debt so many years ago. But the loan sharks still return to vandalise.
'We have already informed the police. We can only leave it to the police to do their job.'
Others in Mr Tan's Bedok Reservoir Road neighbourhood have also been harassed by loan sharks.
Mr Low, 59, who lives one floor below Mr Tan, has also found fresh paint on his door on a few occasions.
Last week, another neighbour returned home after work to find the grille gate locked with a bicycle chain.
LOCKED INSIDE FLAT
Said the neighbour, Mr Ng Cheng Heng: 'My son was locked inside the flat. What if something happened and he was trapped?
'The loan shark should go after the person who owed them money, not the neighbours.'
The 48-year-old marketing executive lives with his wife and son in a four-room flat below the resident who had borrowed from the loan sharks.
When approached, the resident, who declined to be named, admitted that her husband had taken a loan from a loan shark five years ago. But they claimed they have since cleared the debt.
Said the middle-aged woman: 'I don't know why the loan sharks keep harassing my neighbours. Now when I see them I feel very malu (Malay for embarrassed).
'We don't know which loanshark is doing this. My husband even took a day off work and stayed home, hoping to catch the loan shark who vandalised my neighbours' flats. But they did not turn up.'
Her neighbour, Mr Tan, joked: 'We're no longer disturbed by the loan sharks. When they splash red paint, I'll paint my door red. And if the paint is black, my new door colour will be black.'
http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/story/0,4136,147381,00.html?
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