SGH and NHG Issue Warning Over Fake Health Product Ads

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and NHG Health have issued urgent warnings regarding fake online advertisements featuring individuals impersonating healthcare staff to promote medical products. Both institutions confirmed in separate Facebook posts on July 6 and July 7 that the individuals depicted in these videos are not their employees, representatives, or affiliates. SGH maintains that it does not endorse any specific brands or health products, citing compliance with the Healthcare Services Act.

How the impersonation schemes operate

The fraudulent advertisements primarily utilize social media platforms to reach potential consumers. SGH highlighted screenshots of TikTok videos showing a woman wearing an SGH laboratory coat and a SingHealth uniform. Investigations found that the same TikTok account hosts multiple videos of the individual wearing various uniforms, including those bearing logos of local pharmacy chains.

NHG Health, one of Singapore’s three public healthcare clusters, reported similar activity. Their integrated system includes several major facilities, such as Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and the Institute of Mental Health. In these instances, the individual in the videos claims to be a healthcare professional or pharmacist to sell medical products.

Did You Know? SGH had previously issued a similar warning to the public in 2024 regarding advertisements on social media platforms that misused the hospital’s logo to market health products.

The potential impact on public safety

The use of healthcare uniforms to gain trust for commercial gain poses significant risks to consumers. SGH has urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing health products online, advising individuals to consult with their own doctors or healthcare professionals to verify product suitability. Consumers are specifically warned to avoid purchasing from unfamiliar or suspicious sources that rely on exaggerated claims of hospital or staff endorsements.

Expert Insight: The rise of these impersonation tactics reflects a broader trend of sophisticated digital fraud. While this specific case involves the misuse of healthcare branding, the use of artificial intelligence and persona-based deception has been linked to severe financial losses in the past, including a documented instance where an individual lost at least $4.9 million to scammers impersonating senior government officials.

What may happen next

As these advertisements continue to circulate, it is likely that healthcare institutions will maintain heightened monitoring of social media content. If the trend persists, regulatory bodies may be prompted to increase public awareness campaigns regarding the verification of online health endorsements. Consumers should anticipate continued warnings from public healthcare providers as they attempt to mitigate the risk of patients being misled by unauthorized professional impersonations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the individuals in these videos authorized by SGH or NHG Health?
No. Both SGH and NHG Health have explicitly stated that the individuals in the videos are not their employees, representatives, or affiliates.

Do these hospitals endorse the products featured in the videos?
No. SGH stated that, in accordance with the Healthcare Services Act, it does not promote, advertise, or endorse any specific brand or product.

What should I do if I see these advertisements?
The hospitals advise the public to be wary of exaggerated claims and to avoid purchasing health products from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Always consult a doctor or healthcare professional to verify if a product is suitable for your health needs.

How can you better verify the authenticity of health claims encountered on social media platforms?