Psychiatrist has 10-year sexual relationship with patient

Psychiatrist has 10-year sexual relationship with patient

SINGAPORE - A psychiatrist practising at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre was suspended and fined for having an improper sexual relationship with his patient for over 10 years.

Dr Kong Sim Guan, also known as Sim Heng Guan, practised at The Psychiatric & Behavioural Medicine Clinic (Ang & Kong) at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, and was found to be in a relationship with his client from 1996 to 2009.

He was suspended for three years and fined $10,000 by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) in the rare disciplinary case, reported The Straits Times.

Under SMC's medical code and ethical guidelines, a doctor must not have a sexual relationship with a patient, or be involved in an adulterous relationship.

The patient was described by the committee as a "vulnerable" and troubled psychiatric patient experiencing marital issues.

"We are cognizant of the fact that the medical issues faced by the Patient were related to her mental well-being and as her psychiatrist, (Kong) should have been more than aware that his sexual relationship with her can only be interpreted as taking advantage of her troubled state and vulnerability, let alone exacerbating and complicating her marital problems," the committee noted.

candicec@sph.com.sg

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