Singapore General Hospital’s neurosurgery head, Dr Jai Prashanth Rao, is being investigated for failing to report the death of a 75-year-old patient to the coroner.
The investigation emerged at a coroner’s inquiry on 14 October 2026. Madam Tan Suan Lin died on 9 January 2024, six days after brain-tumour surgery.
Doctor Said He Misunderstood Reporting Requirements
Dr Rao testified that he mistakenly thought mandatory reporting applied only when a patient died within 24 hours of surgery. He believed he could decide whether to report a death outside that period.
He said he wanted to spare the family further distress. CNA reported that he initially told them a report was necessary, but changed his decision after they expressed reluctance over an autopsy.
He acknowledged that the death should have been reported.
Internal Review Flagged The Case
During the operation, Mdm Tan suffered brain swelling and lost about three litres of blood. Dr Rao stopped the surgery.
The National Neuroscience Institute flagged the case to the coroner in February 2025 following an internal review. A police report followed in March. The delay meant no autopsy was performed.
Her death certificate attributed her death to a brain tumour. However, a Health Sciences Authority forensic pathologist identified bleeding complications during surgery as a possible cause.
What The Law Requires
Under the Coroners Act, anyone aware of a death that is, or appears to be, reportable must notify the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
Reportable deaths include those resulting directly or indirectly from medical treatment or care. That category has no requirement that the death occur within 24 hours of surgery.
Failing to report without a reasonable excuse carries a maximum penalty of one month’s jail, a S$1,500 fine, or both.
A coroner’s inquiry examines the cause and circumstances of a death. It does not determine criminal, civil or disciplinary liability.
The coroner will deliver findings in Mdm Tan’s case at a later date.
