Acupuncturist Suspended for Negligence
In a shocking turn of events, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, Chua Kah Gay, has been suspended for three months after needles from an acupuncture treatment were left in a patient’s head and toe. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the quality of care in the TCM profession in Singapore.
What Happened
The patient visited Mr. Chua at an unnamed clinic for acupuncture treatment on Sep 19, 2021. Needles were administered to his body and head during the session. However, after the treatment was completed, the patient discovered an unremoved needle in his toe area, causing him sharp pain. Despite this, Mr. Chua failed to ensure that all needles were removed and allowed the patient to leave the clinic with a needle still lodged in his head.
Later that evening, the patient experienced dizziness, headache, and discomfort on his head, leading him to discover another unremoved needle. This negligence on the part of Mr. Chua resulted in the patient suffering from ongoing headaches and migraines, prompting him to submit a complaint to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB).
Inquiry Findings
The TCMPB conducted an inquiry and found that Mr. Chua had failed to provide good clinical care to the patient during the acupuncture treatment. Despite claiming to have done a visual scanning, Mr. Chua had missed two needles in critical areas, demonstrating a lack of competence and attention to detail.
The board also highlighted Mr. Chua’s failure to provide appropriate post-treatment care and timely communication with the patient about the unremoved needles. This breach of regulations and negligent conduct led to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions by the TCMPB.
Sentence
Taking into account the severity of the harm caused and the impact on public confidence in the TCM profession, the TCMPB handed down a three-month suspension to Mr. Chua. This decision was based on the findings of the inquiry committee and the sentencing framework established in similar cases within the profession.
Despite Mr. Chua’s attempts to mitigate the circumstances, the board deemed his actions as falling short of expectations and warranting disciplinary action. In addition to the suspension, Mr. Chua has been censured and ordered to cover the costs associated with the inquiry, underscoring the gravity of his negligence.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding high standards of care and professionalism in the healthcare industry, regardless of the traditional or alternative practices involved. The well-being and safety of patients must always remain the top priority for healthcare providers, and incidents like these highlight the need for vigilance and accountability in the delivery of medical treatments.