In a recent development, a 27-year-old woman finds herself facing defamation charges concerning a false report related to a miscarriage incident at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). This legal action, initiated on Monday, May 6, 2024, sheds light on the consequences of spreading misinformation, particularly in sensitive matters such as healthcare.
Background
The genesis of this legal action traces back to March 25, 2022, when KKH lodged a police report regarding an online article titled “The baby is probably dead – woman shares a harrowing account of her miscarriage at KKH A&E.” This report, published on Wake Up Singapore’s (WUSG) online platforms, implicated the hospital in alleged mismanagement of a patient’s care on February 28, 2022.
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Allegations
According to the article, a pregnant woman, said to be 20 weeks along and Covid-19 positive, sought treatment at KKH due to severe abdominal pains. The report claimed she experienced neglect, waiting for hours without medical attention until she was informed she had lost her baby. Shockingly, it alleged her fetus was disposed of as medical waste.
Investigation and Rebuttal
Subsequent police investigations, however, debunked these claims. KKH clarified that the patient was promptly attended to within an hour of her arrival and did not experience a miscarriage. It was further revealed that the woman allegedly sent messages to WUSG via Instagram, narrating a fabricated miscarriage story at KKH.
Legal Action
Following these revelations, legal action unfolded. Ariffin Iskandar Sha Ali Akbar, purportedly an administrator for WUSG, was previously charged with defamation on April 24, 2024, and is scheduled for another court appearance on May 24. Now, the spotlight shifts to the 27-year-old woman, the second individual to face defamation charges in connection with this false report.
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Government Response
The gravity of spreading misinformation prompted intervention from the Ministry of Health in March 2022. The Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act Office issued a correction directive to WUSG, compelling the publication of correction notices on its social media platforms. Additionally, WUSG issued an apology for disseminating the false narrative.
Legal Ramifications
The legal repercussions of defamation in Singapore are significant. If found guilty, an individual can face imprisonment for up to two years, fines, or both. This underscores the seriousness with which the authorities tackle instances of defamation, particularly when they involve sensitive matters such as healthcare.
The unfolding legal saga surrounding the false report on a miscarriage incident at KKH underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the perils of spreading misinformation. As the legal proceedings continue, it serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of falsehoods in society.
*Original article published by Wallace Woon on The Straits Times.*