Singapore —  In an intense reaction to the open letter published by a group of 12 doctors, ex-NMP Calvin Cheng has called for stern action against these medical professionals, specifically Dr Khoo Boo Kian, who advised parents to opt for traditional vaccines over mRNA variants for their children.
The controversial letter, which first surfaced on the HardwareZone forum, stirred considerable doubt regarding the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines.Â
Singapore currently approves the use of two such vaccines—Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna.
And the Government has recently announced children 12 to 15 years old will be given the Pfizer vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for children aged 12 to 15, assured the Expert Committee on Covid-19 vaccines, rebutting the doctors’ letter.
After a considerable backlash from the Government, 11 out of the 12 doctors retracted their claims. However, Dr Khoo Boo Kian chose not to follow suit.
Ex-NMP Calvin Cheng, clearly unmollified, expressed his disappointment and shock via a Facebook post regarding the unscientific and unprofessional interpretation of scientific evidence by these doctors, notably Dr Khoo Boo Kian.
“It creates confusion and fear in the public and propagated myths and untruths,” he said.
According to Mr Cheng, the doctors’ behaviour has seeded confusion and fear in the public while propagating myths and untruths. He applauded other doctors who stood against these inaccuracies.
“The fight against Covid-19 will continue to evolve as new data and development present themselves. We need to navigate this with scientific rigour and not let our emotions or personal biases create more confusion,” he stressed.
Mr. Cheng vehemently denounced the doctors, including Dr Khoo Boo Kian, who criticized mRNA vaccines. He warned of the risky behavior of this group of doctors that potentially undermines public confidence in vaccines amidst a crisis.
Denouncing the doctors who criticised the mRNA vaccines, he added:
“This is dangerous behaviour by the group of doctors. In a crisis, they undermine confidence in vaccines.
“I call on the authorities to strip them of their license to practise.
“Especially Dr Khoo Boo Kian, who did not retract.”
Denise Teh is an intern at The Independent SG. /TISG