Doc suspended for improperly prescribing hypnotic drugs
Thursday, Jun 13, 2013
The Straits Times
By Priscilla Goy
SINGAPORE - A doctor has been suspended and fined for inappropriately prescribing hypnotic medication to his patients, the Singapore Medical Council said yesterday.
Dr Wong Cheok Way, 47, was also found to have not recorded sufficient details regarding the medical condition of the patients concerned, or had plans to reduce or taper off the intake of medication.
The council disciplinary committee ordered that Dr Wong be suspended from practice for three months from Aug 1, and fined $3,000. He will also be censured and have to give a written undertaking not to repeat the offence.
The disciplinary committee inquiry ended on April 17, following a complaint by the Ministry of Health on Oct 20, 2010.
Dr Wong's practice is at the We Care Clinic & Surgery in Pasir Ris Drive 6.
He initially faced 20 charges of professional misconduct for inappropriately prescribing hypnotic medication.
A spokesman for the council told The Straits Times that the drugs were Dormicum, Valium, Erimin and Tranxene.
The prosecution proceeded on eight charges, with Dr Wong pleading guilty to all of them.
In his mitigation plea, he said this was his first offence, that he was remorseful and that there was no actual harm caused to patients. The committee concluded that he had acted "in disregard of his professional duties".
"The improper prescription of hypnotic medication and failure to maintain proper medical records... is inappropriate and unprofessional," said the statement.
In deciding the penalty, the disciplinary committee considered the evidence and mitigating factors, such as testimonials from Dr Wong's patients and colleagues.
It also noted that he had pleaded guilty to all eight charges though he "did not do so at the earliest instance". [email protected]
