The Ministry of Health (MOH) is gearing up to include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in its transformative Healthier SG initiative, as announced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung during a recent charity dinner. The aim is to provide more holistic, preventative care options for all Singaporeans while ensuring a strong synergy between TCM and Western medicine.
Collaboration Between TCM and GPs
At the Public Free Clinic Society’s 50th anniversary charity dinner on 27 October 2024, Ong emphasised the importance of integrating TCM into Singapore’s healthcare system. He noted that over one million people have enrolled in Healthier SG, but this only accounts for less than 50% of the target population. He observed that about one-fifth of Singaporeans currently consult TCM practitioners.
- Referral System: TCM practitioners may refer patients to General Practitioners (GPs) for subsidised health services.
- Potential Partnerships: Collaboration between TCM clinics and GPs will be explored to enhance healthcare delivery.
- Accreditation Framework: MOH, in association with the TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB), aims to launch a quality assurance framework by 2026.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Ong highlighted that TCM offers a unique touchpoint for promoting preventive health, indicating that many Singaporeans are independently choosing TCM as part of their wellness journey. He stated that integrating TCM isn’t solely a decision for the government or Western doctors, but one that reflects the preferences of the public.
National TCM Programme Developments
The health minister laid out significant initiatives to improve TCM’s role in healthcare:
- Enhanced Education: The new undergraduate degree programme in Chinese medicine from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is already attracting interest, with 160 applicants for 30 places.
- Assessment Improvements: A revamp of the Singapore TCM Physicians Registration Examination (STRE) aims to better evaluate clinical and communication skills.
- Encouragement for TCM Events: Ong urged TCM practitioners to hold gatherings for knowledge exchange with Western medicine professionals.
Careful Integration into Public Healthcare
Ong proposed that TCM treatments should be cautiously incorporated into public healthcare facilities, where they could qualify for financial support under programs like MediSave. He pointed out that currently, acupuncture for specific conditions is the only TCM service covered.
By citing successful integrations of TCM in regions like China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Ong underscored the necessity of adapting TCM practices to fit within a predominantly Western framework for healthcare, particularly in regulatory matters.
With the aim to ensure that TCM practitioners meet higher professional standards, the MOH is set to engage TCM service providers in discussions to refine the accreditation standards of the upcoming framework.