Doctor accused of giving fake COVID-19 jabs fails in bid to revoke suspension order

SINGAPORE: A doctor accused of giving patients fake COVID-19 jabs has failed in his bid to revoke a suspension order against him.

Jipson Quah, a general practitioner linked to the anti-vaccine Healing the Divide group, was suspended from medical practice in March 2022 after the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) said he allegedly administered saline solution to several people in place of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In the latest review of the interim suspension order, Quah proposed that he be allowed to practise under supervision and report to a supervisor to review his professional work at the end of each week. 

He also proposed returning to medical practice with conditions such as being barred from administering COVID-19 vaccines and attending to patients suffering from the coronavirus.

However, in a decision made public on Monday (Dec 11), the SMC's Interim Orders Committee rejected his proposals and ordered his interim suspension to continue. 

Quah's current interim suspension is effective until Sep 22, 2024, unless proceedings under the Medical Registration Act are concluded earlier. 

He was initially suspended for 18 months. SMC later received approval from the High Court to extend the suspension by 12 months starting Sep 23, 2023.

SUSPENSION NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC: SMC

Quah faces a total of 17 charges, several of which relate to defrauding the Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting fake COVID-19 vaccination records.

SMC argued in a review hearing last month that Quah's suspension order should be maintained on its current terms to protect members of the public. 

"The allegations involve Dr Quah profiting financially from the COVID-19 pandemic, flagrantly abusing the privileges given to him as a doctor and deceiving the MOH," the SMC argued.

"They are serious allegations that raise a substantial risk of harm to his patients and to members of the public because the issues raised concern Dr Quah’s integrity and honesty as a medical professional and relate directly to the clinical setting."

His alleged actions showed "dishonesty and a cavalier attitude" towards healthcare regulations that were intended to protect the public, the council added.

CONTINUED EXTENSION "EXCESSIVE": QUAH

In his case, Dr Quah argued that an extension would be "unreasonable, unnecessary and disproportionate" to the allegations charged by SMC.

He also said a continued suspension of his practice was "excessive" as investigations were delayed and uncertain, adding that the order has had a "punitive effect" on him even before investigations have concluded.

Quah said in his submissions that he had shut down his clinics and ceased practice for 22 months. He added that he has lost "substantial income" since the beginning of the investigations against him.

In its grounds of decision, the Interim Orders Committee said the allegations against Quah are "very serious and grave", with no less than 15 patients who were allegedly provided with fake vaccination statuses.

Any potential financial loss of income to Quah would not outweigh the public interest in maintaining the interim suspension order against him, the committee said.

"There would be a risk of harm to the public and to public confidence in the profession if no interim order remains in force pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations by the police and the Ministry of Health, and the criminal proceedings against him," it added.