Imagine being in a hospital, a place meant for healing and safety, only to become the target of a disturbing violation. That’s exactly what happened to a male visitor at Raffles Hospital in Singapore, where a nurse exploited a bizarre excuse to commit a heinous act. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: the nurse claimed he needed to ‘disinfect’ the victim—a pretext that makes the situation all the more chilling.
In June, Elipe Siva Nagu, a 34-year-old Indian national working as a staff nurse at Raffles Hospital, molested a male visitor under the guise of hygiene. The incident unfolded when the victim, who was visiting his hospitalized grandfather, entered a patient’s toilet. Elipe peered inside while the victim was using it, then approached him with soap in hand, claiming he needed to ‘disinfect’ him. What followed was a shocking act of molestation that left the victim immobilized in disbelief.
And this is the part most people miss: the psychological toll of such incidents. The court heard that the victim experienced flashbacks of the ordeal, a haunting reminder of the violation he endured. Elipe, who was swiftly suspended from his nursing duties, pleaded guilty to the molestation charge. On October 24, he was sentenced to one year and two months in jail, along with two strokes of the cane—a punishment that reflects the severity of his actions.
Details about the victim, including his age, were withheld from court documents to protect his identity. Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Phua revealed that the incident occurred on June 18 at the hospital on North Bridge Road. After the assault, the victim returned to his grandfather’s bedside, though court documents did not specify what happened next. The case was reported on June 21, and Elipe was arrested two days later.
But here’s the controversial question: How could a healthcare professional, entrusted with the care and safety of patients, abuse their position in such a grotesque manner? This case raises troubling concerns about trust, accountability, and the vulnerabilities patients and visitors face in medical settings.
What’s your take on this? Do you think the punishment fits the crime, or should there be stricter measures to prevent such abuses of power? Let’s discuss in the comments—this is a conversation that deserves attention.
