Singaporean Suspecting Covid-19 Calls Ambulance At 8.15am, Out Of Hospital With Medicine & MC By 10.15am
In the time it takes you to watch Avengers: Endgame, you could have called an ambulance, do all relevant tests for Covid-19, get diagnosed, and be out of the hospital. Sounds unbelievable, but true.
A Facebook post from 18 Mar shows just how efficient Singapore’s healthcare system can be.
The Singaporean, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared that his entire Covid-19 episode lasted only 2 hours. We summarise his story below.
Image sourced on Facebook
Singaporean had Covid-19 worries & went to the hospital
On the morning of 18 Mar, the author showed mild symptoms related to the virus. He did the socially responsible thing of calling an ambulance at 8.15am, just in case he was infected.
15 minutes later, the ambulance showed up at his doorstep and 3 staff took his vitals. He was then transported to Sengkang General Hospital.
He arrived at the hospital at 8.45am.
Hospital visit involved many tests and questions
The author was then subjected to “a whole lot of Q&A” by several groups of people.
He also underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG), received injections from 2 nurses, and was put on a drip.
When he completed an X-ray, it was only 9am.
He labels the examination process,
Most efficient 15 mins of my LIFE.
Receives his diagnosis 30 minutes later
By 9.30am, the author had already received attention from 3 different doctors. He was diagnosed to be low risk with symptoms due to an unspecified virus.
Before 10am, the final decision regarding his case was made. He was to self-quarantine at home for the next 5 days.
An electronic medical certificate was instantaneously sent to his mobile phone.
Image sourced on Facebook
Entire ordeal took a grand total 2 hours
By 10.15am, the man was armed with 8 packs of medicine, out of hospital, and on his way home.
During this 2 hour window, over 15 medical personnel attended to him.
The entire experience cost him a whopping… $128.00 only.
Renewed sense of patriotism
The level of service he received, at the cost he got it for, filled him with immense pride for Singapore’s healthcare system.
He elaborates,
Everyone was calm, there was nothing chaotic, all staff were swift and decisive.
The author even likens the experience to taking a flight on Singapore Airlines.
He gushes,
Flawless. Absolutely flawless experience.
At the end, he concludes that anyone who suspects themselves of being infected should get themselves checked. Based on his experience, it doesn’t take long, and isn’t overly pricey.
Citizenship should be the next C held in regard
While it is a long standing joke that the 5Cs – car, cash, credit card, condominium and country club membership – are the most important, perhaps we should consider adding a 6th C in the form of citizenship.
As Singaporeans, we naturally have access to gold standard healthcare. On top of this, there are a plethora of subsidies to help lessen the burden in the event of severe illnesses.
We should be thankful that such benefits are available to us. It is a great time to be Singaporean.
Feature image adapted from TODAY Online.
