A male patient was injured after a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner forgot to remove an acupuncture needle from his buttock following treatment, prompting disciplinary action by authorities.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) ordered the doctor, Zhao Ying, to pay a fine of S$5,000 (about RM15,800) and suspended him from practice for three months after completing inquiry proceedings.
According to a complaint published on Jan 19, 2025, the incident occurred on Apr 24, 2021, when the patient visited Zhao’s clinic for acupuncture treatment for back, shoulder and neck pain.
The inquiry found that Zhao failed to conduct an adequate assessment of the patient’s medical condition and history. He also did not properly obtain informed consent, as he did not explain the benefits, risks or possible complications of the procedure, despite the patient having signed a written consent form.
At the end of the session, Zhao neglected to remove one of the acupuncture needles inserted into the patient’s buttock.
When the patient later sat down at the clinic’s registration area, he felt a sharp pain and numbness radiating through his thighs and legs. Upon checking, he discovered a needle lodged in the lower part of his buttock and removed it himself.
Following a disciplinary hearing held on Sept 25, 2025, the TCMPB found Zhao guilty of professional negligence. While the board noted that there was no intention to cause harm, it said the incident resulted in injury and undermined public confidence in the TCM profession.
Zhao’s suspension took effect from Jan 19 to Apr 18, 2026. He was also ordered to pay the costs and expenses related to the proceedings.
