TCM doctor in S'pore forgets to pull acupuncture needle out of man's buttocks, gets fined & suspended for 3 months

After administering acupuncture to a patient, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor forgot to remove the needle from the patient's buttocks, causing the patient to be stabbed while sitting up.

The outcome of the complaint was published on Jan. 19, 2025, by The Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB), which stated that inquiry proceedings had been completed.

The board handed the TCM doctor, Zhao Ying, a fine of S$5,000 and suspended him for three months from Jan. 19, 2026, to Apr. 18, 2026, both dates inclusive.

He was also ordered to pay the costs and expenses of or incidental to the injury.

Failed to obtain informed consent before treatment

The incident happened on Apr. 24, 2021, as the patient visited the clinic where Zhao worked to seek acupuncture treatment for his back, shoulder and neck aches.

Zhao was found to have not performed an adequate assessment of the patient's medical condition and history.

Additionally, Zhao did not obtain the informed consent of the patient before the procedure, and he did not explain the benefits, risks and possible complications to the patient.

This was despite the patient signing a written consent form by the receptionist, as the explanation wasn't carried out.

After the acupuncture treatment, Zhao failed to remove a needle from the lower half of the patient's buttock.

When the patient went to sit down on the couch at the registration area, he "felt a sharp pain and numbness that pierced through [his] inner thighs, quads and legs".

The man realised that a needle was embedded in the lower half of his posterior and removed the needle himself.

A hearing was convened by the TCMPB on Sep. 25, 2025, and found Zhao guilty of negligence.

The TCMPB pointed out that while his conduct was not intentional, he still injured a patient and undermined public confidence in the TCM profession.

Top photo from Canva.