Dr Tan Thian Chye, a general practitioner who runs his own clinic at Smith Street, has been suspended for three months and fined $2,000.

The Singapore Medical Council found him guilty of 'inappropriate' prescription of Dormicum, a sleeping pill, to 16 patients.

Dr Tan, who pleaded guilty, also has to pay the cost of the disciplinary inquiry and provide a written undertaking not to repeat the offence.

The council said it took into consideration Dr Tan's unblemished record and his 'invaluable service to the community' by providing affordable, and sometimes even free, treatment to patients.

Dr Tan, who is in his 70s, was represented by law firm Allen & Gledhill.

More than two dozen doctors have been disciplined for lax prescription of sleeping pills.