Doctor fined $20,000 for overprescribing codeine cough mixtures to 3 patients
A doctor was fined $20,000 by the Singapore Medical Council disciplinary tribunal for overprescribing codeine-containing cough mixtures (CCCMs) to three patients.Dr Chew Ee Hern Kevin, a doctor at Teban Garden Clinic, pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide professional services of the standard reasonably expected of a doctor.According to the published Grounds of Decision, the tribunal found that he had prescribed CCCMs to these patients despite patterns of repeated use that should have raised suspicions of dependence or addiction.Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines state that patients should not be prescribed more than 240ml of a CCCM at one time, and where possible should not receive a repeat prescription within four days.The guidelines were introduced in 1996 to exercise greater control on the sale and supply of these mixtures and prevent potential abuse of codeine.