When the capsules were given to us, we asked the pharmacist why my friend, who is not a civil servant but had the same prescription, was given a different type of medicine. He said private patients were normally given 'branded' medicine but we were given a different type which was cheaper.

When we asked if the cheaper medicine was less effective, he said it was just as good.

I then asked why private patients were given more expensive medicine and not 'equally good but cheaper' medicine. He could only say: 'Cannot, they are private patients.'

Perhaps SGH can explain why private patients are not given 'equally good but cheaper' medicine.

Chin Fong (Mdm)