20 May 09 Swine Flu 19 May 2009

As of 19 May 2009, 40 countries have officially reported 9830 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 79 deaths.

Tags: Swine Flu

20 Apr 09 Conjoined twins Vani and Veeena- Why separate conjoined twins?

I wonder about the justification for trying to separate conjoined twins when both the risk is so high and success rate is so poor.

It was reported that three of the four twins joined at the head who were separated in operations in Singapore are dead. I am inclined to agree with our Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan when he suggested that our surgeons reconsider their plans to separate yet another pair of conjoined twins.

Vani and Veena, the five year old Indian twins are scheduled for surgery at East Shore Hospital in the last quarter of this year.

The chances of survival is only 50% and often time the surgeon has to pick one twin to die to save the other. Why are we playing God? What gives us the right to decide who should live and who should die?

Why do we need to undertake such heroic surgeries? Cojoined twins can live a happy life together.

Our surgeons should watch the Youtube video on Lori and Reba Schappel who are conjoined at the head.

They live life to the fullest in a never ending dance of cooperation. Their zest for life is simply inspiring.”

Why do we want to separate them? They could be an inspiration for normal people like us to live life with the same amount of zest.

I quote a comment on Youtube about their lives,

“Despite their rare conditions, these twin sisters Lori and Reba have lived life to the fullest for 36 years. They shared every moment of their lives. These two do their best to live absolutely normal lives. They take their unusual conditions in perfect stride. They enjoy separate lives and have many differences and interests. In fact they are forever facing in opposite directions. Yet their lives is a never ending dance of cooperation.”

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