Veteran physician Dr Wong Yoke Meng, with over four decades of medical practice, has been suspended for 36 months by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) for professional misconduct in prescribing inappropriate hormone replacement therapies (HRT) to 18 patients between 2013 and 2015.
The disciplinary tribunal found that Dr Wong prescribed hormonal treatments to patients with normal hormone levels, often without conducting physical examinations or awaiting blood test results. Among his patients were 14 men and four women, several of whom were prescribed hormones not clinically appropriate for their gender — such as progesterone for men and testosterone for women. These prescriptions lacked scientific basis and were deemed unsafe.
Experts testified that combining multiple hormone treatments could result in harmful side effects. At least three patients were directly affected — one woman experienced tremors, and two men recorded abnormally high testosterone levels. The tribunal described Dr Wong’s actions as “very egregious” and noted his financial motivation, as he charged up to $12,000 annually for “anti-ageing” packages that excluded medication costs. It stated that the only beneficiary of his treatments appeared to be himself.
Dr Wong’s misconduct was uncovered following Ministry of Health (MOH) inspections of his clinics in 2014 and 2015. The tribunal also highlighted his long history of prior convictions, including breaches of medical regulations in 2001, 2011, 2015, and 2024, as well as false declarations to SMC regarding earlier disciplinary actions. His persistent disregard for professional standards, lack of remorse, and dishonesty painted a “disturbing picture” of his attitude toward medical ethics.
While SMC had sought a 72-month suspension, the tribunal imposed the statutory maximum of 36 months, noting that his conduct could have warranted being struck off entirely. The suspension will take effect from October 8, 2025, to October 7, 2028.
The case underscores the medical council’s stance against unproven anti-ageing and wellness treatments, warning that such hormone therapies remain unsupported by scientific consensus and are not recognized as legitimate medical practice in Singapore.
