MOH Probes LC Nursing Home CEO Over Non-Disclosure of 2004 Misconduct—July 9

Singapore’s Ministry of Health is investigating whether LC Nursing Home founder and CEO Chia Yang Pong failed to disclose past disciplinary actions when applying for the nursing home’s licence. Chia was struck off the medical register in 2004 after being convicted of 80 charges of professional misconduct related to improper benzodiazepine prescriptions at his former clinic chain. The 93-bed Siglap facility faces licence revocation on November 23 following findings of serious care and safety lapses.

What happened in 2004

Chia Yang Pong was the sole licensee of Grace Polyclinic, a chain of seven medical clinics, when MOH inspections in November 2002 found that benzodiazepines had been improperly prescribed to 80 patients without proper medical records. The Singapore Medical Council disciplinary committee convicted him of 80 charges of professional misconduct. He was fined S$65,000, censured, and struck off the Register of Medical Practitioners. His appeal against removal from the register was dismissed.

The current investigation

MOH is investigating whether Chia failed to disclose information concerning disciplinary actions taken against him during LC Nursing Home’s licence application. Under the Healthcare Services Act 2020, Chia is deemed a key appointment holder at the nursing home based on Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records listing him as director. The ministry said it is unable to comment further while investigations are ongoing.

Why the licence is being revoked

MOH announced in late June that it would revoke LC Nursing Home’s licence after finding serious and systemic lapses in care and safety. Audits in November 2025 and April 2026 revealed persistent breaches including inadequate wound care and poor hygiene. The operator failed to provide a sufficient remediation plan. All 93 residents will be transferred to alternative facilities before the November 23 revocation date.

What happens next

The investigation into whether Chia disclosed his past misconduct is ongoing. MOH has not set a timeline for completing the probe. Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How told parliament that MOH conducts regular and periodic audits on nursing homes, and that most facilities placed on closer monitoring take adequate corrective actions. The revocation is final and takes effect November 23, 2026.

Final Thoughts

The investigation raises questions about disclosure requirements for nursing home operators with regulatory histories. With the facility’s closure confirmed and residents being relocated, the focus now shifts to whether Chia faces additional penalties for alleged non-disclosure during the licensing process.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.