PLANS TO INVOLVE CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS IN BASIC HEALTHCARE SYSTEM UNDER HEALTHIER SG INITIATIVE

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song
MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 1908

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry has plans to involve traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in the basic healthcare system under the Healthier SG initiative, particularly for the management of chronic diseases for the elderly.

Written Answer

Healthier SG is a complex and multi-year national programme. In the initial phase of implementation, eligible residents will be invited to enrol with a primary care clinic of their choice and to develop a long-term supportive relationship with their local family physician to support better care, and especially in managing chronic illnesses.

MOH recognises that Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (TCMPs) have been playing an important role in our communities to guide residents to better health. TCM methods are often holistic, long term and complement western medicine. MOH will continue to engage TCMPs to hear their views and discuss with them how TCMPs can be part of the community involved in Healthier SG.