SGH files police report over Hepatitis C cluster

The Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on Tuesday (Oct 20) filed a police report over a Hepatitis C cluster found in its renal ward.
"After initial internal investigation, we are still unable to determine the cause of the cluster of infection. Currently, an independent review committee appointed by MOH is looking into this with the help of international advisors. The police report has been filed so that the police may ascertain if there was any foul play," SGH said in a statement.
On Oct 6, SGH announced that 22 patients in its renal ward had contracted Hepatitis C. It also said the infection could have been a contributing factor in up to five deaths. 
The hospital has since tightened measures at its wards and has screened hundreds of patients and staff for the virus. Its staff are also being interviewed by the independent review committee which includes two international experts. 
In a statement late Tuesday, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said: “With the help of the international advisors, the independent review committee (IRC) will look into the cause of the cluster of Hepatitis C infection in the Singapore General Hospital and identify gaps or weak points that need to be improved."

"Even as the IRC continues its work independently, we are not excluding any probable cause. Hence SGH has made a police report of the incident. This will allow the police to investigate and ascertain if there was any foul play.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also said authorities need to establish what happened, put things right if need be and learn from the experience. "Because we must maintain public confidence, and trust in the healthcare system," Mr Lee said.