Doctor fined, censured for over-prescribing controlled drug
Posted: 02 April 2012 1046 hrs
SINGAPORE: A doctor has been fined S$6,000 and censured for over-prescribing Subutex, a controlled drug used for the treatment of heroin dependence.
Dr David Chin Mun Foo was convicted of 15 charges of over-prescribing the drug and for failing to exercise due care in the management of his patients.
The Singapore Medical Council held a disciplinary committee inquiry on February 19 after the Health Ministry filed a complaint on April 20, 2008.
Dr Chin, who is employed at My Little Family Clinic at Block 1 Jalan Bukit Merah, was slapped with a total of 46 charges.
The 53 year old faced 23 charges of improper prescription and pleaded guilty to 15 of these charges.
He was also accused of introducing two financial schemes at the clinic.
Dr Chin allegedly put in place an incentive scheme to encourage patients to refer new patients to the clinic, and implemented a "surcharge" for patients who require Subutex earlier than scheduled.
Dr Chin contested all 23 charges relating to the financial schemes.
The disciplinary committee cleared him of these charges after considering the evidence and submissions by lawyers representing Dr Chin and the Singapore Medical Council.
Dr Chin has been ordered to provide a written undertaking to the council that he will not engage in over-prescribing Subutex or any similar misconduct.
He also has to bear the costs and expenses of the hearing.
- CNA/wm
