Parents are scrambling for answers as Cordlife, a renowned private cord blood bank, is under fire for mishandling children’s cord blood. The company has left countless parents on tenterhooks, unsure if their children’s precious cord blood units were affected by this alarming incident.
While some have received emails from Cordlife revealing the blunder, many are still in the dark, anxiously awaiting further information. The emails, lacking in specific details, have only added fuel to the fire, causing more confusion and worry among parents.
Parents who once trusted Cordlife for its industry reputation are now questioning their decision, as they grapple with the potential loss of their children’s invaluable cord blood. They are now demanding full transparency, swift rectification, and a fair resolution for all affected parties.
A Trusted Company’s Fumble
In 2018, Dawn Cher, founder of the personal finance blog SG Budget Babe, chose to trust Cordlife with her first child’s cord blood. Attracted by the company’s reputation and accreditation, she did the same for her second child born three years later.
However, on Thursday, Nov 30, Cher learned with devastation that Cordlife’s missteps could have compromised her children’s cord blood.
Source: Cordlife Singapore
High Stakes at Risk
The Ministry of Health (MOH) actively investigated Cordlife, Singapore’s longest-running cord blood bank, after discovering that seven of its tanks, which stored cord blood units, had been exposed to temperatures above acceptable limits.
Cord blood, rich in stem cells, is potentially life-saving and capable of treating blood diseases and cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma.
The Extent of Damage
Around 2,200 cord blood units belonging to approximately 2,150 clients have been damaged, with a further 17,000 clients possibly affected. Cordlife, a company listed on the Singapore Exchange, has since emailed some parents about the blunder.
Seeking Accountability from Cordlife
Customers have voiced disappointment with the vague communication from the company, criticizing Cordlife’s seeming lack of transparency and accountability. MOH conducted its first unannounced audit on the company on Aug 15 this year following a complaint from a member of the public in July.
From Nov 16 to Nov 21, another audit revealed that Cordlife’s cryopreserved cord blood units had encountered temperatures above acceptable limits in seven of its 22 storage tanks at different periods, dating back to November 2020.
Cordlife’s Silence Sparks Parental Anxiety Over Cord Blood Safety
Many of the affected parents have been voicing their frustrations on Cordlife’s Facebook page, questioning why the company did not reach out to them before the news became public.
A father of two, who had stored his children’s cord blood with the bank in 2006 and 2012, expressed his dissatisfaction. Despite providing his information for follow-up, he has yet to receive confirmation if his children’s cord blood units were among those affected.
The lack of communication from Cordlife has not only shaken his confidence in the company but also left him unsure about the next steps due to the potential costs and risks involved in transferring the cord blood.
Vague Communication Raises More Questions
Two different versions of emails sent by Cordlife to its clients have been circulating. One version vaguely informs clients about an irregular temperature reading in seven of their cryogenic storage tanks in Singapore, assuring them that a thorough investigation is underway.
The other version of the email specifies that the tank storing the client’s child’s cord blood unit detected an irregular temperature reading.
Both emails assure clients that if the cord blood is unviable for transplants or therapeutic purposes, Cordlife will make “every effort” to find a suitable replacement.
Source: Cordlife Singapore
Emotional Toll on Parents
For homemaker Lim Sze Tein, the news and vague correspondence from Cordlife have caused sleepless nights. She expressed her disappointment with the company for keeping quiet about the issue since 2020, criticizing their corporate speech as lacking empathy.
Cordlife Executive Resignation Amidst Crisis
Further complicating the situation, Cordlife Group Limited’s executive director and group chief executive officer, Tan Poh Lan, resigned on October 27. The company’s board announced that Ms. Tan would retire to pursue personal interests, with her last day of service set for March 31, 2024.
When asked about the timing of the resignation amidst the ongoing crisis, a Cordlife spokesperson insisted that Ms. Tan’s decision was not related to the recent news.
Unclear if Affected
Some clients also pointed out that the version of the email they received did not specifically state whether they had been affected.
One recipient, Ms. Cher, received an email that only referred to the cord blood of her younger child and not her elder. This lack of clarity has left many clients with unanswered questions and concerns.
Parents Paid High Prices for Storage
In addition to the lack of communication, some parents have expressed frustration over the high cost of storing their children’s cord blood with Cordlife. Mr. Chia Hong Loon estimated having paid close to S$10,000 (US$7,474) to Cordlife for storing his firstborn’s cord blood, cord lining, and cord tissue.
Similarly, Ms. Aiza Bumacod also spent about S$10,000 to store her second child’s cord blood and cord lining. These parents demand explanations and are deeply disappointed by the potential loss of their investment.
Seeking Legal Recourse vs Cordlife
One parent has decided to seek legal recourse and is calling on other parents for collective action. User Kikyo Chan stated in a Facebook post that she is seeking legal advice to better understand her rights, particularly in the areas of consumer protection and contractual obligations.
What’s Next for Affected Parents and Cordlife?
Source: Cordlife Singapore
As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. The recent Cordlife incident is an unfortunate reminder that even trusted companies can falter. Stay informed and vigilant about where and how your child’s cord blood is stored.
If you’re one of the affected parents and are seeking answers, don’t hesitate to contact Cordlife directly. Demand transparency and accountability from them because no amount of money can ever replace the potential life-saving cord blood of your child.
Remember, your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that such mishaps do not repeat, and our children’s futures remain uncompromised.
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