Tampines doctor fined for prescribing Subutex
Posted: 14 November 2011 1227 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Medical Council has imposed a S$3,000 fine on a general practitioner, Dr Foo Yew Sin Patrick, for inappropriately prescribing Subutex.
Subutex is a drug that can become a substitute for heroin if injected into the body with a cocktail of other drugs.
Dr Foo, 46, from Little Cross Family Clinic at Block 929 Tampines St 91, was also censured.
He pleaded guilty to 10 charges that he failed to exercise due care in the management of his patients by inappropriately prescribing Subutex.
The Council's Disciplinary Committee met on 5 October over the case which arose out of a complaint from the Ministry of Health in 2007.
Releasing the grounds for its decision on Monday, the council said prolonged prescription of Subutex without specialist referral or a proper management plan is inappropriate and unprofessional.
Dr Foo was also ordered to give a written undertaking that he will not repeat his offence.
- CNA/ck
