Introduction

In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about safety practices in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a practitioner in Singapore has been suspended for three months after leaving acupuncture needles embedded in a patient’s head and toe.

Chua Kah Gay, the TCM practitioner involved, failed to take essential precautions to ensure that all needles were removed following the treatment, and he neglected to document the number of needles used during the session, according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB). The oversight led to the patient experiencing significant discomfort, including dizziness, migraines, and vomiting.

The Incident Unfolds

The alarming series of events began on September 19, 2021, when the patient visited Mr. Chua for a routine acupuncture session at an unnamed clinic. After the treatment, the patient initially felt fine until he returned to his home and experienced sharp pain while putting on his slippers. Upon examination, he discovered a needle lodged in his toe, which Mr. Chua had overlooked. Although the needle was removed, further complications arose when another needle was found embedded in the patient's head a few hours later.

Despite the patient’s efforts to return to the clinic for help, Mr. Chua had left for the day. The clinic's massage therapist was called to assist and successfully removed the second needle. Disturbingly, after the extraction, it was noted that the area of the head where the needle had been lodged was bleeding, indicating potential negligence on Mr. Chua’s part.

Investigation and Findings

Following the incident, the patient reported ongoing health issues and filed a formal complaint with the TCMPB. An inquiry revealed that Mr. Chua did not follow proper procedures or provide adequate care, having failed at both the pre- and post-treatment levels. He admitted that visual inspection, which he relied on, was not sufficient to determine whether any needles remained, especially those situated in harder-to-see areas.

The TCMPB ultimately concluded that Mr. Chua had breached regulatory standards and failed to deliver satisfactory care. Although he attempted to reach out to the patient two days following the discovery of the missing needles, the delay indicates a lack of urgency and responsibility.

Consequences of Negligence

In light of the findings, the TCMPB has imposed a three-month suspension on Mr. Chua, effective from January 11 to April 10, 2023. In addition to the suspension, he has faced censure and has been ordered to cover costs related to the inquiry.

The board's assessment placed Mr. Chua's actions at a "low" level of culpability, attributing his negligence to a lack of careful consideration for patient safety. While the situation was deemed to have caused moderate harm to both the patient and the public’s trust in TCM practices, it raises critical questions about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the field.

Conclusion

As the profession grapples with the ramifications of this incident, it serves as an urgent reminder of the importance of thorough practices in alternative medicine and the potential risks if practitioners do not adhere to established safety protocols.

This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the need for heightened patient safety measures in TCM, ensuring that practitioners are held accountable for their actions to maintain the integrity of the profession and the well-being of their clients.