Ex-Lover Faces Lawsuit for Alleged Medical Negligence
A Singaporean woman has taken legal action against her former partner, a psychiatrist, claiming he negligently prescribed her “addictive” medication without officially registering her as his patient, The Straits Times reported.
Relationship Details and Alleged Prescription
Serene Tiong, the plaintiff, had an affair lasting 18 months with psychiatrist Chan Herng Nieng, ending in 2018. During their relationship, Tiong alleges Chan prescribed her anxiety medications, including Xanax and Trazodone, which she claims led to her addiction.
At the time, Chan was a senior consultant psychiatrist at Singapore General Hospital and is now in private practice. Tiong contends that Chan failed to monitor her for potential addiction, improperly supplied the medications under his name, and did not document her treatment as required.
Claims of Addiction and Negligence
Tiong stated that the misuse of Xanax caused her severe side effects, such as drowsiness and aggression, ultimately requiring further psychiatric treatment. After their breakup, Chan allegedly cut off her supply of the medications and did not refer her to another healthcare provider. She further accused him of failing to maintain proper treatment records or ensure continuity of care.
The relationship ended when Tiong discovered explicit text messages on Chan’s phone, which revealed exchanges between him and another doctor, Julian Ong Kian Peng. In the messages, the two men allegedly boasted about their sexual encounters, including with married women.
Seeking Damages
Tiong is demanding S$180,000 in damages, asserting that Chan breached his professional obligations. Her lawyer argued that she experienced significant emotional and psychological distress after the affair ended and the messages were uncovered.
Chan’s defence claims that he provided Tiong with a minimal amount of Xanax solely out of concern for her as a partner, not as a patient. His lawyer also contends that the lawsuit stems from a personal dispute rather than genuine malpractice.
Previous Legal Disputes
This case is not the first legal confrontation between Tiong and Chan. In 2018, following their breakup, Tiong lodged a complaint with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), accusing Chan and Ong of exploiting vulnerable women. The complaint led to a five-month suspension for Chan, which he is appealing.
Additionally, Ong sued Tiong for defamation after she circulated the complaint among other doctors. Although the initial ruling dismissed Ong’s case, a High Court appeal awarded him damages and legal costs.
The ongoing trial in Singapore’s High Court is expected to span eight days, with both parties presenting their arguments.
