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.