A doctor has been suspended and fined for inappropriately prescribing hypnotic medication to his patients, said a statement by the Singapore Medical Council on Monday.

A disciplinary committee ordered that Dr Wong Cheok Way at We Care Clinic & Surgery be suspended from practice for three months from Aug 1, and fined $3,000. This follows a disciplinary committee inquiry which ended in April this year. The inquiry arose out of a complaint by the Ministry of Health on Oct 20, 2010.

"The improper prescription of hypnotic medication and failure to maintain proper medical records ... is inappropriate and unprofessional", said the statement. The disciplinary committee considered the evidence and mitigating factors - such as the testimonials from his patients and colleagues - when making their decision.

Dr Wong initially faced 20 charges of professional misconduct but the prosecution proceeded on eight charges, of which Dr Wong pleaded guilty to all of them.