20-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) When seeking medical attention at a hospital, one expects prompt care and ready availability of necessary medical supplies. However, a patient at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) in Singapore allegedly experienced a nearly two-hour wait for painkillers. Frustrated by the delay, the patient took matters into his own hands and ordered Panadol through the foodpanda delivery app. Surprisingly, the Panadol arrived before the painkillers from the hospital.
The incident prompted an apology from SKH, acknowledging the patient’s ordeal. Earlier this month, the patient, known as Mr. Hamid Osman (@jombadok on TikTok), documented his stay at SKH in a video. In the video, Mr. Hamid mentioned that he had ordered painkillers but had not received them even after two hours. Consequently, he decided to order Panadol through foodpanda.
To his surprise, the Panadol delivery arrived before the painkillers he had requested from the hospital. Expressing his disbelief, Mr. Hamid shared his experience in the hospital lobby where he encountered the foodpanda rider waiting to hand over his order. He expressed his frustration at not being able to receive a simple painkiller like Panadol from a reputed hospital like Sengkang General Hospital, deeming it ridiculous.
Following the incident, Mr. Hamid stated that he intended to recuperate at home, ignoring medical advice, as he already had painkillers there. He had been admitted to SKH on September 11 for gangrene and an ulcer on his right heel.
In response to Mr. Hamid’s TikTok video, SKH issued a Facebook post on Monday (September 18) addressing the situation and apologizing for the patient’s discomfort during his stay. They assured the public that Mr. Hamid had received appropriate care from his medical team while at the hospital. SKH also mentioned that Mr. Hamid had been deemed medically fit for discharge.
The hospital took the opportunity to clarify that all medications for newly admitted patients must be approved by doctors for safety and record-keeping purposes. They also explained that patients with less acute conditions may experience longer waiting times compared to those with more severe and urgent medical emergencies.
@jombadok Cannot get Panadol at Sengkang Hospital #viraltiktok #viraltiktoksg #sgtiktok #fypシ #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – Jom Badok Nation
