TTSH doc left gaping hole in patient's throat for nearly 5 years!!!!

Govindan had his throat operated on for cancer of the voice box at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in 2006. In 2010 the specialist there (now in private practice) told him he chose not to close the hole ("fistula") which caused Govindan years of misery. TTSH said the "graduated treatment plan" - keeping the hole open for 5 long years - allowed for flexibility if treatment should there be any relapse. Dr Song of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) begged to differ, "Since there are other means to detect cancer recurrence, performing fistula closure only after a 5-year cancer-free period is a relative contraindication." Thanks to Dr Song, Govindan can finally eat, drink and speak again.

This is not a note about medical science, or difference of professional approach. This is a note to self about the evil men can do.

Govindan taped the consultation session because he could not speak, and the doctor in question would not allow his wife or sons to be in attendance. Even allowing for transcription errors, this should ruin anyone's appetite:

http://singaporedesk.blogspot.sg/2014/12/why-govindan-had-to-suffer.html

Was he living next door to Alice if add 19 years?

Equalisation said:

Was he living next door to Alice if add 19 years?

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alice? ... who ze f**k is alice? ...

So this case proved that TTSH doctor really no standard and SGH is better.

He is still alive didn't he??

God works in mysterious ways!!

World class Sinkie medical hub.

TTSH again?

How come so no standard?

Sinkie said:

TTSH again?

How come so no standard?

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It is not TTSH no standard. Rich man, rich man's treatment. Poor man gets poor man treatment. This explains why the poor man was left to suffer for 5 years. If LKY had the same problem, the surgeon would spare no expense to treat our leader as quickly and painlessly as possible. The poor man cannot afford this sort of medical care.

JohnTan said:

It is not TTSH no standard. Rich man, rich man's treatment. Poor man gets poor man treatment. This explains why the poor man was left to suffer for 5 years. If LKY had the same problem, the surgeon would spare no expense to treat our leader as quickly and painlessly as possible. The poor man cannot afford this sort of medical care.

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You're getting the things totally wrong. If SGH can approach it differently and it works for the patient, then TTSH has no standard. Simple as that. Nothing to do with rich or poor man's treatment. He paid for the closing of the hole at SGH, didn't he?

doc was aerating the stench cumming from the patient's esophagus.

Very common and safe procedure in my country, Mr Govindan. You have nothing to worry about.

Sinkie said:

You're getting the things totally wrong. If SGH can approach it differently and it works for the patient, then TTSH has no standard. Simple as that. Nothing to do with rich or poor man's treatment. He paid for the closing of the hole at SGH, didn't he?

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All the MIW goes SGH for treatment, why do you think that is so?

The story appeared in the Sunday Times on 14th December.
To date, no comments from Health Minister, from hospital - they are hoping the problem will just go away, is it?

P/s: See my signature!

Sinkie said:

You're getting the things totally wrong. If SGH can approach it differently and it works for the patient, then TTSH has no standard. Simple as that. Nothing to do with rich or poor man's treatment. He paid for the closing of the hole at SGH, didn't he?

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most importantly TTSH classified the closing of the hole as cosmetic means need to pay private rate as cosmetic is usually not subsidised. Very no standard if a medical procedure is classified as cosmetic and hospital can charge higher fees.

JohnTan said:

It is not TTSH no standard. Rich man, rich man's treatment. Poor man gets poor man treatment. This explains why the poor man was left to suffer for 5 years. If LKY had the same problem, the surgeon would spare no expense to treat our leader as quickly and painlessly as possible. The poor man cannot afford this sort of medical care.

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what rich man, poor man? Many common folks who are not well-to-do also seek consultation at SGH. Both SGH and TTSH are public hospitals that provide subsidised healthcare. And SGH solved this poor man's problem whereas TTSH "smoked" him with all sorts of excuses.

This is a good doctor.