Suspension of Medisave Accreditation of Three Dentists

1.    The Ministry of Health (MOH) has served notices of intended suspension of the Medisave accreditation of Dr Goh Chin Chye Cecil, Dr Ang Kiam Hau Steven and Dr Liew Yaoxiang Daniel.

2.    Dr Goh Chin Chye Cecil, Dr Ang Kiam Hau Steven and Dr Liew Yaoxiang Daniel were charged in Court today for numerous counts of abetment by conspiracy to cheat the Central Provident Fund Board between 2011 and 2013, while they were practising at clinics operated by The Smile Division Dental Group (“the group”). They had allegedly authorised the submission of Medisave claims to the Board to deceive the Board that multiple surgeries had been performed when they had not. MOH had lodged a police report in July 2014 on suspicious Medisave claims, following audits conducted at four clinics operated by the group.

3.    The dentists will be given two weeks to respond to MOH. If they are unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, their Medisave accreditation will be suspended from 5 May 2017. If suspended, they can continue to provide dental treatment, but they will not be able to make Medisave claims on behalf of patients.

4.    MOH takes a serious view of fraudulent Medisave claims. Given the severity of the alleged offences, MOH will also be referring the matter to the Singapore Dental Council. 

5.    Associate Professor Patrick Tseng, Chief Dental Officer, said:

“Many Singaporeans use their Medisave to pay for dental treatments. There has generally been a high level of compliance by Medisave-accredited dentists with the rules on Medisave usage. We take a serious view of the few instances of fraudulent claims and unlawful practice.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind the dental community of their duty to maintain the highest standard of moral integrity and honesty as required by the Singapore Dental Council’s Ethical Code and Guidelines.”

Background on Medisave Use for Dental Procedures
Medisave use is allowed for inpatient hospital bills, day surgery which includes dental procedures performed at private dental clinics, as well as expensive outpatient treatments such as renal dialysis and cancer treatments.

Examples of dental procedures which are Medisave-claimable include surgical insertion of dental implants and surgical extractions. MOH sets limits on Medisave claims for dental procedures, as well as daily withdrawal limits, to ensure that members have sufficient Medisave funds for their healthcare needs, especially in old age. Medisave claims are managed by the Central Provident Fund Board on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
13 April 2017