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Doctor suspended for prescribing hypnotic medicine
Posted: 25 October 2011 1113 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Medical Council has suspended Dr Goh Ching Luck for three months for inappropriately prescribing hypnotic medication and cough mixtures to his patients.
Dr Goh, 52, from Drs Goh & Tan Family Clinic & Surgery at Blk 283 Bishan Street 22 has also been fined S$1,000 and censured.
He pleaded guilty to all 13 charges of professional misconduct under the Medical Registration Act.
This included failing to exercise due care in the management of his patients by inappropriately prescribing benzodiazepines, which is a hypnotic medication, and cough mixtures containing codeine.
A Disciplinary Committee hearing his case said the inappropriate prescription was a serious misconduct in itself as such hypnotic medication is prescribed for short term relief of anxiety and insomnia.
Long-term consumption may lead to drug dependence, psychomotor impairment, tolerance and depression.
The Committee found that Dr Goh had acted in disregard of his professional duties by prescribing the drugs on a long-term basis.
It also said that there were more than a few instances of concurrent prescription of different types of cough medication and/or different types of hypnotic medication at the same consultation.
The Committee was convened on September 19 following a complaint from the Health Ministry against the doctor in 2009.
Dr Goh will bear the costs of proceedings and has also been told to provide a written undertaking not to engage in similar conduct in future.
His three-month suspension took effect from October 20.
- CNA/ck
