Ministry of Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine

Healthcare System

Complementary Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine
With the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) particularly in China over the past few decades, and increasing interest in complementary medicine the world over, public interest in TCM has also risen.

TCM has been considered as part of our cultural heritage and tradition. Among all the complementary medicine and traditional medicine, TCM has the most number of practitioners and patients. TCM practice in Singapore is primarily confined to outpatient care.

Regulation of TCM Practice
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act was passed on 14 Nov 2000. The Act requires TCM Practitioners who undertake the prescribed practice of TCM to be registered with the TCM Practitioners Board. Besides registering TCM Practitioners, the TCM Practitioners Board also accredits TCM schools and courses, and regulates the professional conduct and ethics of registered TCM Practitioners.

The registration of TCM Practitioners started in 2001 with the registration of acupuncturists. This was followed by the registration of TCM physicians in 2002. With effect from 1 January 2004, those who wish to practise the prescribed practice of TCM are required to be registered with the TCM Practitioners Board and possess valid practising certificates.

From December 2005, Chinese medicinal materials dispensers who graduated from the CMM dispensers training course (Intermediate module) are voluntarily listed with the TCM Practitioners Board.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board


Address:	81 Kim Keat Road #09-00 Singapore 328836
Tel:	6355 2488
Fax:	6355 2489
Email:	tcmpb_enquiries@tcmpb.gov.sg

Ethical Codes and Guidelines for TCM practitioners
TCM practitioners have, since ancient times, been respected and trusted by the people in their practice of traditional Chinese medicine. They are looked upon for the relief of suffering and ailments. With the trust reposed in them, TCM practitioners must do their best to maintain a high level of self-discipline, competence, and standard of professional conduct and provide professional, proper and adequate service in their prescribed practice of TCM.

The Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines for TCM Practitioners represents the fundamental tenets of conduct and behaviour expected of TCM practitioners practising in Singapore and elaborates on their applications. They are intended as a guide to all TCM practitioners as to what the TCM Practitioners Board regards as the minimum standards required of all TCM practitioners in the discharge of their professional duties and responsibilities in the practice of TCM in Singapore.

Training of TCM Practitioners
Good training of TCM practitioners is the key to ensuring a high standard of practice. The following TCM training schools provide training for TCM practitioners:

Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
640 Lor 4 Toa Payoh
Singapore 319522
Tel: 62503088
Institute of Chinese Medical Studies
No.10, Lorong 9 Geylang
Singapore 388758
Tel: 68412437 / 68413049
Nanyang Technological University
School of Biological Sciences
60 Nanyang Drive,
Singapore 637551
Tel: 63162801 / 63162814

Control of Chinese Medicinal Materials (CMM)
Regulations of these materials are overseen by the Centre for Drug Administration under the
Health Sciences Authority.