The Saline Deception: A Former Believer's Testimony Unmasks Alleged COVID-19 Vaccine Scam

The hushed courtroom hung heavy with anticipation as a former member of Iris Koh's controversial "Healing the Divide" Telegram group took the stand, her testimony poised to unravel the intricate web of alleged misinformation and deception surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination drive in Singapore. Ms.

Gan, a woman who once found solace and community within the group, now recounted a deeply personal journey from fervent skepticism to a stark realization that she had fallen prey to what she described as a "scam."

Her account paints a vivid picture of the anxieties that gripped many during the pandemic's height.

Initially distrustful of official government narratives and vaccine efficacy, Ms. Gan, like countless others, sought alternative perspectives. She found them, or so she believed, in "Healing the Divide," a platform where she felt her concerns were heard and validated. The group, co-founded by Iris Koh and Dr.

Jipson Quah, allegedly promoted unproven health claims and even offered "saline jabs" as a purported substitute for legitimate COVID-19 vaccinations.

The turning point for Ms. Gan came gradually, as cracks began to appear in the group's facade. Doubts gnawed at her, particularly concerning the medical advice and the integrity of the alternative treatments offered.

She described a chilling moment of clarity when the realization dawned that the very community she had trusted might be exploiting vulnerabilities and propagating dangerous falsehoods. Her testimony is not just about a legal case; it's a poignant narrative of navigating an era of unprecedented information overload and the perilous path of trusting unverified sources.

Iris Koh faces charges including conspiracy to cheat and obstructing justice, while Dr.

Jipson Quah is charged with conspiring to cheat and fraudulently making false representations. The prosecution alleges that they engaged in a scheme to administer saline solution, falsely presenting it as a COVID-19 vaccine, and then submitting these fraudulent vaccination records to the National Immunisation Registry.

Ms.

Gan's courage to speak out is driven by a profound desire to heal the very societal divide that the "Healing the Divide" group ironically exacerbated. By sharing her experience, she hopes to offer a cautionary tale and perhaps bridge the chasm of distrust that formed between those who embraced mainstream medical advice and those who sought alternatives.

Her testimony serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of misinformation and the critical importance of verifying information, especially when public health is at stake. As the trial continues, her words resonate as a powerful call for truth and accountability in a world still grappling with the echoes of the pandemic.