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Health Ministry should reconsider naming those in hepatitis C incident

While it is true that we must foster a culture of learning from mistakes, the ramifications of those errors can change the complexion of a case (“Learning from mistakes, not a blame culture, the way forward for hospitals: Gan”; April 5).

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Paul Chan Poh Hoi

While it is true that we must foster a culture of learning from mistakes, the ramifications of those errors can change the complexion of a case (“Learning from mistakes, not a blame culture, the way forward for hospitals: Gan”; April 5).

According to the independent review committee, the hepatitis C outbreak could be attributed to poor infection control practices and a sluggish response from hospital personnel, among other factors.

Professionalism encompasses the qualities and skills expected of individuals in their line of work. To an extent, it constitutes a promise between that professional and society.

With this in mind, it is clear that the medical professionals involved had neglected their duty to provide the highest quality of care possible, by committing avoidable mistakes. Eight patients paid the ultimate price.

In such cases of staff members having to be held to account, the logic is clear. These individuals are members of a public organisation, accountable to the state and the people of Singapore.

Disclosing their names is a natural course of action and constitutes a direct answer to the general public, who deserve to know the particulars of the case.

Perhaps more importantly, it is part of the psychological process, whereby culpable individuals take ownership of their actions by having the negligent act attached to their name.

For example, in the case of the death of full-time national serviceman Private Dominique Lee, the names of the Singapore Armed Forces commanders overseeing the training exercise in question were made public.

If the Health Ministry persists in withholding the names in a case of public interest, it could be interpreted as a lack of bureaucratic transparency, which could undermine Singaporeans’ faith in government institutions.

To uphold the spirit of professionalism, especially in a critical, high-stakes field such as medicine, and to preserve public trust, the Health Ministry should reconsider its decision.

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