Singapore ― “This is what happens when you try to be a doctor,” said a member of the public whose mother was hospitalised after taking Ivermectin as recommended by her churchmates.
One Vanessa Koh Wan Ling took to Facebook on Sunday (Oct 3) to share her family’s experience after her mother was sent to the hospital for taking Ivermectin, a drug meant to treat parasite infestations.
“Covid is not a parasite and should not be treated via Ivermectin,” said Ms Koh, raising awareness to the public.
She shared that two individuals, Clara Ng and Judy Koh, whom her mother met in church, had advised her to take the drug.
As a result, Ms Koh’s mother was hospitalised due to dizziness, vomiting, loss of appetite, severe joint pain, tiredness and inability to walk and stand.
“All are side effects of ivermectin – an illegal drug purchased,” she noted.
The doctors had asked her why the drug was taken. “It didn’t make sense to me, just as it didn’t for them,” said Ms Koh.
However, she highlighted the two individuals who had convinced her mother that a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, like Pfizer’s BioNTech and Moderna, was against their religion.
“That if they are allowed to take, Jesus would reach out to them directly,” she added.
Ms Koh attached screenshots of the women’s conversation, with Judy Koh diagnosing Ms Koh’s mother on which vaccine to take.
“Tell your daughter that it’s either Sinovac or Sinopharm and no other vaccines at all. Your choice, not hers!” the woman wrote.
Meanwhile, Ms Koh said that upon learning of her mother’s appointment for a Sinopharm dose, “it was also a taboo and they will not go to heaven by the second jab,” according to the churchmates.
As Ms Koh had difficulty convincing her mother from taking the drug, it was reported that she had taken four 3 mg tablets over two days.
“It was either this today or a severed mother-daughter relationship which would result in her consuming ivermectin,” she added.
Ivermectin is not an over-the-counter drug and is often prescribed by a doctor to treat head lice, scabies, and other infestations. It is also used in larger quantities to treat dogs, horses, and other animals for parasites and heartworm.
The drug’s packaging contains a cautionary note that the pills are prohibited from retail without the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
“To all of you out there who feel that you know better than the doctors because of Google, DON’T,” warned Ms Koh.
There is nothing more disrespectful than trying to do someone else’s profession when you are severely unqualified, she said.
The concerned daughter highlighted that it was her sitting outside the emergency room and paying the bill, while another family member waited outside by the taxi stand and not the two women from church.
“Do not let the Judys and Claras in your life overlook the people that truly matter. Family,” she added.
In response to Ms Koh’s story, the Church of the Risen Christ took to Facebook on Monday (Oct 4) to provide a statement.
“We would like to advise everyone to protect themselves from the Covid-19 virus by taking officially prescribed safety measures available to them. Only accept vaccines approved by the authorities which are made available at accredited centres authorised to administer the jabs,” said the church.
“Nonetheless, the decision to be vaccinated remains very much a personal choice. It cannot be forced upon anyone. We encourage every individual to pray and discern over the decision, taking into account one’s own health situation and vulnerability, as well as the social responsibility to one’s loved ones and friends.” /TISG
