Health minister says touched by understanding of two cancer patients
Posted: 23 November 2009 0026 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says he is touched by the generosity and understanding of the two cancer patients at KK Women's and Children's Hospital despite being affected by a drug blunder.

The incident happened earlier this month after two pharmacists at the hospital gave the two patients an overdose of chemotherapy drugs.

Mr Khaw, who wrote on his Ministry's blog, says he is relieved one patient, Mrs Yip Poh Hung, is making good progress and that doctors expect to have her discharged soon.

Another patient has since recovered and is able to return home.

Mr Khaw also commended the reaction of the Yip family.

Mrs Yip's husband had said the pharmacists who made the mistake should be penalised, but not to the extent of being fired or ostracised.

Mr Yip also reminded his wife that mistakes do occur and added that there had been no malice. Eventually, Mrs Yip forgave the pharmacists for their error.

Mr Khaw added that KKH and other hospitals will learn from this episode.

Mr Khaw also said that when mistakes are made, those involved should readily admit them and learn from them so that they are not repeated. - CNA/de