Singapore Prosecution Seeks Two Year Sentence for Doctor Following Fatal Negligence in Aesthetic Treatment

Prosecution seeks 2-year jail term for Singapore doctor Chan Bingyi after a negligent aesthetic procedure led to the death of patient Lau Li Ting in 2019.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 7:20 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

The Fatal Consequences of Medical Negligence

The Singapore legal system is currently weighing the sentence for Chan Bingyi, a 37-year-old doctor whose professional negligence led to the untimely death of a patient in 2019. During a sentencing hearing on April 21, the prosecution argued for a prison term of 18 to 24 months, citing the gravity of the doctor’s actions. The case centers on the intravenous administration of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to Lau Li Ting, a property agent who had sought aesthetic treatment. The prosecution emphasized that the procedure was performed despite a complete lack of medical indication, ultimately leading to a catastrophic medical emergency and the victim's death five days later.

A Dangerous Misapplication of Specialized Therapy

The court heard that EDTA is a high stakes chemical agent intended primarily for specific conditions such as heavy metal poisoning or dangerously high calcium levels. Its use requires specialized clinical training due to its ability to bind with metallic ions, which can inadvertently strip the body of essential calcium. Deputy Public Prosecutor Thaddeus Tan highlighted that Ms. Lau had no underlying health issues that warranted such an intervention. By administering the substance at an excessive concentration and at an unsafe speed, the doctor triggered a condition known as EDTA toxicity, which disrupted the patient's neurotransmission and neuromuscular functions, eventually causing her heart to stop.

Professional Duty Versus Patient Request

A significant point of contention in the legal proceedings was the patient's role in requesting the "chelation" treatment. While the defense noted that Ms. Lau had specifically asked for the procedure to address fine lines on her forehead, the prosecution rejected this as a valid justification for the doctor's decision. DPP Tan argued that a medical professional is not a common vendor and must not prioritize a customer's wishes over established safety protocols. The state contended that Chan’s agreement to perform the treatment after a mere 15 minute consultation demonstrated a reckless disregard for the inherent dangers of the substance used.