National Drug Allergy Reporting Guidelines
SMA started the Medik Awas programme in 1970 with the aim to prevent medical mishaps by alerting medical and dental personnel to any specific medical problems of registrants through the use of identification devices, such as a card or an amulet. As the Ministry of Health (MOH) looks into developing the National Drug Allergy Reporting Guidelines to standardise reporting and documentation of drug allergies, Medik Awas Committee Chairperson Dr Tammy Chan met with MOH and Integrated Health Information Systems on 18 September 2018. During the meeting, Dr Chan shared our experience with the Medik Awas programme over the past four decades, so that useful lessons can be drawn to improve the national platform.
Participation in SMSUK panel discussion
Dr Chong Yeh Woei represented SMA as a panellist at the recent Freshers, Members and Alumni Dinner organised by Singapore Medical Society of the United Kingdom (SMSUK) on 10 August 2018. The theme of the panel discussion was "The Many Adventures of a Doctor At Large". Dr Chong shared insights from Director of Medical Services A/Prof Benjamin Ong about Singapore's healthcare challenges, the changing role of medical professionals and the future direction of the medical training programme in order to meet those challenges.
HSA updates on overseas recall of Valsartan-containing medicines
In June 2018, several Valsartan-containing medicines were recalled globally due to the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine. This is a carcinogenic impurity related to a specific manufacturing process of Valsartan used by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China, as well as several other manufacturers.
Based on Health Sciences Authority's (HSA) investigations to date, the Valsartan-containing medicines sold in Singapore are not affected by the recall. We will keep Members updated on new information as they become available.