“Your English is so poor which country are you from?” — Doctor allegedly asks patient with lump after COVID booster shot

Singapore — A concerned member of the public took to social media to share a disheartening experience of a healthcare assistant requesting a two-day medical certificate (MC) but got criticised for her language skills instead.

“I am pouring out our feeling here (on) behalf of my friend,” wrote Facebook user Lucy Mawii on Complaint Singapore‘s page on Sunday (Oct 24).

Ms Mawii’s friend went to a 24-hour clinic after getting a lump on her underarm area, which allegedly appeared after receiving her Covid-19 booster shot.

“She is not fit to work as our work is healthcare assistant heavy duty in physically (sic),” wrote the concerned individual.

However, when the patient went to see a doctor and tried explaining her pain, the doctor reportedly didn’t listen and said, “Your English is so poor, which country are you from?”

Her friend was given one day MC despite requesting at least two days due to the nature of their work.

“We are taking care of the elderly of Singaporean with love and care no matter how tired we are, but do we deserve to treat us like this?” asked Ms Mawii.

Members from the online community advised the individuals to go to a polyclinic or hospital instead to receive better care.

“Please don’t go to this clinic. Worst ever clinic. My hubby went there for cough, flu and sore throat. Doctor didn’t even check; just gave him a bottle of cough syrup and chase him out. No lung check, not listening,” shared a past patient of the same clinic patronised.

Meanwhile, others noted that the doctor’s comments were irrelevant. “Going to see a doctor had nothing to do with our language…the clinic staff should be mindful of her speech,” commented Facebook user Christina KS Yap.

“You should get the name of the attending doctor. It is the doctor’s duty to attend to all kinds of sickness in patients, be it poor English or not,” noted Facebook user Linda Jamari. /TISG

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