Ministry of Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that Singapore will implement a certification framework for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners in 2026. This framework aims to identify qualified TCM practitioners who can join the expanded Healthier SG program, which focuses on preventive care. The certification process will ensure that TCM services can work in synergy with the Healthier SG program to provide high-quality, appropriate preventive healthcare for more people.
The framework will help recognize TCM practitioners with advanced professional capabilities, laying the foundation for their participation in Healthier SG. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will conduct field studies, simulations, and consultations with TCM providers to establish certification standards. Although certification will be voluntary, it will help confirm whether a TCM practitioner is eligible to join the expanded program.
Additionally, MOH plans to adjust the registration exam for TCM practitioners to simplify the licensing process. TCM practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with Western medical clinics to provide comprehensive healthcare options. This may include facilitating referrals and helping patients access subsidies, vaccines, screenings, and chronic disease management. MOH will also explore the feasibility of integrating TCM into mainstream healthcare, allowing designated treatments at public clinics and hospitals.
Minister Ong mentioned that the integration of TCM and Western medicine could follow a model similar to that seen in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, where both services are available in hospitals. The aim is to develop a regulatory “sandbox” based on clinical evidence to allow for better synergy between TCM and Western medical practices.
卫生部长王乙康宣布，我国将在2026年推行中医师认证框架，以协助辨认符合资格的中医师，能够加入扩大后的“健康SG”计划。此框架将确保中医服务与“健康SG”计划协同作用，让更多人获得高水平的预防性护理。
中医师认证框架的目的是识别具更高专业水平的中医师，并为其参与“健康SG”计划奠定基础。卫生部将在接下来几个月内与中医服务提供者进行实地考察、模拟审核和交流会，以拟定认证标准。虽然认证属于自愿性质，但将有助于确认中医师是否有资格加入该计划。
此外，卫生部计划调整中医师注册考试模式，以简化执业认证过程。中医师被鼓励与西医诊所合作，提供全面的医疗选择，包括转诊及帮助患者获得补贴、疫苗接种、健康检查和慢性病管理服务。卫生部也将探讨在公共医疗体系中引入中医治疗的可行性，使公共医院和综合诊疗所提供指定的中医治疗。
王乙康指出，未来中西医合作可参考中国大陆、香港和台湾的模式，医院通常提供中西医服务。政府计划根据临床证据设计一个监管“沙盒”，让中西医协同发展。