SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has revoked the license of Prudence Family Clinic over incorrect prescribing practices of drugs such as codeine cough syrup and sleeping pills.
The clinic, located at 512 Bishan Street 13, will no longer be able to provide outpatient medical services through temporary facilities or communications, the ministry said in a media release on Saturday (January 25).
The Moh said it will issue a notice to Prudence Family Clinic on December 20, 2024, informing it of its intention to revoke its license.
“Prudence Family Clinic was given the opportunity to submit representations regarding the intended revocation but failed to do so,” MOH said.
Moh said the clinic was found to be in violation of the terms of its license. Many times, especially in connection with the preparation and supply of codeine cough medicine, benzodiazepines, and other hypnotic chemicals.
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to manage seizures, anxiety, and other nervous system-related conditions, and hypnosis is commonly known as a sleeping pill.
Moh said Prudence Family Clinic failed to properly document and maintain health records for patients prescribed codeine cough syrup, benzodiazepines and other hypnotics.
The clinic also did not ensure that the doctor would supply cough syrup within the prescribed limits. Nor did we confirm that we should avoid prescribing two or more benzodiazepines or other hypnotics to patients at the same time.
The physician also failed to ensure that patients who required or were prescribed benzodiazepines or other hypnosis for a total of more than eight weeks were referred to appropriate specialists for further care. .
“The numerous violations of the conditions of its license over the course of less than a year demonstrate a lack of effective internal oversight, control and governance by Prudence Family Clinic,” MOH said.
“Taking these into consideration, MOH assesses that Prudence Family Clinic is no longer able to provide outpatient medical services in a clinically safe and ethically appropriate manner.”
“Correspondingly, all relevant accreditation and/or participation in Healthier SG and MOH’s financial schemes, including the Community Health Assist Scheme and Medisave, will cease.”
Two doctors at the practice involved in the prescribing practices are currently being investigated by the Health Sciences Authority.
Inquiries regarding potential violations of the Ethics Code and Guidelines will also be referred to the Singapore Medical Council.
MOH also asked the clinics whose licenses were revoked on Friday to notify all affected patients to ensure continuity of care.
“Affected patients may wish to visit other nearby Chas-accredited, Medisav-accredited or healthier SG clinics instead,” the ministry added.
MOH said it will continue to monitor licensed healthcare providers for outpatient medical services that prescribe such drugs and ensure that consultations are conducted in compliance with prevailing regulatory requirements.
