A DOCTOR has been suspended from practice for three months, fined $5,000 and censured by Singapore's medical watchdog for disregarding guidelines when prescribing Subutex.

General practitioner Sebastian Kwan Yann Haur, who operated the Global Network Medical Centre at Block 11, Jalan Bukit Merah, pleaded guilty to 42 charges of professional misconduct under the Medical Registration Act at a disciplinary hearing in Sept.

The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) said in a statement on Monday that Dr Kwan 'failed to exercise due care in the management of his patients in the prescription of Subutex' and did not keep detailed medical records.

He also failed to refer the patient to a medical specialist for further assessment.

The drug was used to help heroin addicts kick the habit. But instead of using Subutex to help wean themselves off heroin, addicts took it to get high.

The result was a thriving Subutex black market, fuelled partly by doctors who failed to carry out sufficient checks on patients.

Subutex was eventually criminalised in 2006.

Dr Kwan was not accused of prescribing the drug after that time. His clinic was inspected in December 2005.

Dr Kwan could not be reached for comments.

He is one of at least five doctors who have faced probes over their management of patients who were on Subutex.

The SMC said Dr Kwan's clinic was described as a Drug Addict Detoxification Clinic.

'He was experienced in managing drug addicts as he had previously served as a Medical Officer at the Sembawang Drug Rehabilitation Centre,' said the council statement.

'Further, Dr Kwan had also attended the Certified Training Course for Treating Opiate Abuse and Dependence, a course jointly conducted by IMH, MOH and CAMP.

'In the given circumstances, the Disciplinary Committee felt that Dr Kwan should have been aware of the expected standards of good practice to be applied in the management of his patients but noted that he had failed to do so.'

Dr Kwan was ordered to pay the cost of the disciplinary inquiry. He also has to promise in writing not to repeat the offences.