Siamese
Twins:
Why It's A great Story
Singaporean
pride swells over this complex surgery to separate
the Siamese twins.
Apr 16, 2001
The
high profile surgery - reported in every major media
- has put world spotlight on Singapore's medical capability,
thanks to 20 doctors and support colleagues.
After
working at it for four days, they successfully separated
baby Nepalese girls, Ganga and Jamuna, who were joined
in the skull and brain. After a week, they were doing
well and the doctors were hopeful.
Happily,
the benefits extend beyond medicine. Let's count the
ways.
Research.
It will provide a big boost to Research and Technology
in Singapore, including IT. In the heat of the excitement,
one achievement was overlooked.
Its
success was largely due to a 3-D virtual-reality software
that was developed in Singapore. It allowed the surgeons
to see inside the girls' shared skull months before
the operation.
Without
the simulator, the operation might never have been
done.
Called
VizDExter, it allows doctors to see inside brains
or other organs in virtual reality. Wearing 3-D glasses,
surgeons can use VizDExter to manipulate digital photographs.
The
surgery was a great promoter of its efforts to attract
high-tech investments and talent to its shore.
Life
Sciences. A special beneficiary will likely be its
master plan for the life sciences.
Its
ambition is to attract 15 world-class biomedical science
companies here by 2010 and become a regional centre
for clinical trials and drug development.
Knowing
Singaporeans, I see a sharp swing in public interest,
especially among parents and students, towards biomedical
research something the government needs.
To
create a "life sciences hub" the republic
is offering large tax breaks to lure international
biomedical companies and talented foreigners here.
But
success or failure will depend on its ability to produce
its own scientists. The subject begins in upper primary
classes; curriculums have been changed to focus on
molecular biology.
Three
US biotechnology companies recently announced they
would be setting up shop in Singapore in response
to its decision to invest US$600 million to establish
a biotech industry.
Medical
Services. An immediate impact is on its medical services.
For more than a decade, hospitals in Singapore have
been attracting high-paying patients from the neighbouring
countries.
Tens
of thousands of Indonesians, Malaysians, Bangladeshis
and Thai patients travel to Singapore for health-care
services but as the Sing-dollar rises and costs go
up, it has become less competitive.
To
remedy this, private health-care firms here are buying
into regional hospitals. "Singapore is now seen
to be too expensive and demand is growing in their
home countries, said one CEO.
"Rather
than waiting for patients to come to Singapore, we
should go out to these countries." But it is
fast becoming a competitive business. To stay on top,
operators need a blue-chip reputation which this medical
breakthrough will bring.
Social
Achievements. Equally beneficial to the nation is
something that has nothing to do with the economy
or technology. It's something I am proud to call Singapore's
humanity.
For
weeks Singaporeans were following the progress of
the twins from a far-away land with a thumping heart
beyond any passive interest.
Many
had dug into their pockets and dished out S$360,000
- several times more than asked for - to help the
family. The hospital had waived many of their charges
and Singapore Airlines flew them here free.
The
young Nepali parents and grandfather, who were from
a poor community near Katmandu, have been in Singapore
for months preparing for the surgery.
On
top of it all, the doctors have pledged the two girls
a commitment to look after them for life since more
operations will be needed as they grow. The immigration
will provide them with special multiple entry visas.
As
one young doctor put it. "This is not about money.
None of the doctors made any money on it."
That,
to me, is why it is a great story.
Seah
Chiang Nee
