SGH and NHG Health Warn of Fake Product Ads on TikTok—July 9

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and NHG Health have warned the public about fraudulent online advertisements featuring individuals dressed in their uniforms promoting health products. SGH discovered the scam on social media platforms including TikTok, where a woman wearing an SGH laboratory coat falsely claimed to represent the hospital. Both institutions stressed they do not endorse any specific brands and urged Singaporeans to verify products with doctors before purchasing.

What the hospitals discovered

SGH posted a warning on Facebook on July 7 after finding advertisements on social media depicting someone in its healthcare uniform promoting health products. A photograph showed screenshots of two TikTok videos featuring a woman wearing an SGH laboratory coat and SingHealth uniform. NHG Health separately warned on July 6 about videos showing an individual in its uniform claiming to be a healthcare professional or pharmacist selling medical products. Both institutions confirmed the individuals are not employees, representatives, or affiliates.

Why this matters for consumers

The fake advertisements falsely imply endorsements by the hospitals and their staff, potentially misleading buyers into purchasing unapproved or unsafe products. SGH noted it does not promote, advertise, or endorse any specific brand or product, in accordance with the Healthcare Services Act. Consumers who purchase from suspicious online sources risk buying counterfeit or harmful items without proper medical oversight.

What you should do instead

Both hospitals advised the public to take caution when buying health products online. Check with your doctor or healthcare professional to see if a product is suitable before purchasing. Avoid buying from unfamiliar or suspicious sources, and be wary of exaggerated claims that falsely suggest hospital endorsements. NHG Health operates 10 polyclinics, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Woodlands Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital, the Institute of Mental Health, National Skin Centre, and the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, all of which can provide legitimate product guidance.

NHG Health’s role in Singapore healthcare

NHG Health is one of Singapore’s three public healthcare clusters, providing integrated health services across multiple institutions. The organization extends care beyond hospital wards into communities, with staff like Senior Staff Nurse Pearlyn Chee bridging acute hospital care and community services. NHG’s emphasis on preventive health education and responsible stewardship of healthcare resources makes unauthorized product endorsements particularly damaging to public trust.

Final Thoughts

Consumers should verify any health product claims directly with their doctor rather than trusting social media advertisements featuring hospital uniforms. SGH and NHG Health’s warnings highlight the growing risk of online medical fraud targeting Singaporeans.

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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.