A DOCTOR has been suspended for three months for prescribing sleeping pills too freely.
Over a few years, some patients of Dr Tan Thian Chye, a general practitioner who runs his own clinic in Smith Street in Chinatown, were prescribed 500 to 600 pills of Dormicum each.
In all, the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) found him guilty of 'excessive and inappropriate' prescription of Dormicum to 16 patients.
His three-month suspension started yesterday, although the inquiry was held in May. The SMC said that it had granted Dr Tan's request for a delay in his suspension, pending the outcome of his appeal, provided he refrained from prescribing any medication like Dormicum during that period. He was also fined $2,000.
Dr Tan, who pleaded guilty, also has to pay the cost of the disciplinary inquiry and undertake in writing not to repeat the offence.
Since 2000, more than 20 doctors have been penalised for this offence and Dr Tan, who is in his 70s, is the second this year. The SMC said it investigated Dr Tan's practice following a complaint lodged by the Ministry of Health.
In deciding the penalty for him, the council said it took into consideration his long, unblemished record and his 'invaluable service to the community'. Dr Tan had provided 'affordable, and on occasions, free treatment'. It also noted that he had cooperated 'fully with the authorities' after pleading guilty.
But in its statement issued yesterday, the medical watchdog said what Dr Tan did was 'serious misconduct in which a period of suspension was warranted'.
It said he had acted 'in disregard of his professional duties' when he prescribed such medicine over long periods.
These pills, which contain benzodiazepine, can be addictive when taken in large quantities over a long period. Drug addicts looking for a quick fix have also been known to take them, paying two to three times the price on the black market.
For some doctors, it is a fast way to make money. The pills cost a few cents, but are sold to patients at between 70 cents and $2 a pill.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on August 13, 2008.
