Singapore Health Ministry Evaluating 18 TCM Proposals for Public Healthcare Integration

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung mentioned that traditional Chinese medicine is a part of Singapore’s healthcare system. Acupuncture could be used for migraines, post-stroke rehab, and cancer care under a new initiative.

There are 18 proposals for evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments being evaluated. These include using Chinese medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and chronic pain.

If implemented, these treatments could be subsidized and covered by MediSave. The aim is to select effective TCM therapies that complement Western medicine.

A committee will evaluate the proposed treatments for scientific validity, followed by trials in public healthcare institutions for one to two years.

TCM is already popular in Singapore, with one in five adults using TCM services annually. The goal is to integrate TCM and Western medicine for better patient care.

An annual award will recognize exemplary TCM practitioners starting in 2026. The forum discussed bridging Western medicine and TCM for improved patient outcomes.

Integration of TCM will require extensive clinical research and collaboration between healthcare clusters. The aim is to provide robust evidence for TCM trials.

The Government hopes TCM will play a larger role in public health. Worldwide, TCM integration has benefited Western medicine, as seen in the case of sweet wormwood.

According to the source: The Straits Times.