New Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Accreditation Programme to Strengthen Quality, Call for TCM Integrative Sandbox Proposals to Foster Innovation in Integrated Healthcare

From 17 October 2026, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) service providers and practitioners can apply to be accredited through the TCM Accreditation Programme. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will also launch a second call for proposals under the TCM Integrative Sandbox, which will commence from 3 November 2026. These initiatives aim to strengthen the role of TCM in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.

Setting Quality and Standards through the TCM Accreditation Programme

2.           The TCM Accreditation Programme is voluntary and comprises two complementary pillars: TCM Services Accreditation and TCM Practitioners Accreditation, for service providers and individual practitioners respectively. Together, they strengthen professional standards across the sector and establish clear benchmarks for the delivery of safe and quality care. By providing a structured and comprehensive framework for accreditation, the TCM Accreditation Programme will enhance the credibility, accountability, and professionalism of TCM services and practitioners in Singapore (refer to Annex A for more information on the accreditation criteria).

3.           Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and partners, the Programme sets consistent standards for clinical governance, patient safety, service quality, professional competence, and continuous improvement across Singapore’s TCM landscape. Through the adoption of these standards and best practices, the Programme serves as a mark of quality for the public, recognises service providers committed to consistent and established service standards and supports the sector’s continued development as a trusted and valued part of Singapore’s healthcare system.

4.           The Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore (ACMS) has been appointed the accrediting body to implement the Programme. More information on the accreditation process and application requirements for TCM services and TCM practitioners are available on the ACMS website (https://academycms.org/en/tcm-accreditation/ ↗ (opens in new tab)).

Second Call for Proposals under TCM Integrative Sandbox

5.           MOH will also issue a second call for proposals under the TCM Integrative Sandbox (TCMIS) initiative. This will be via an open call from 3 November 2026 to 2 November 2029. The TCMIS will provide a platform for public healthcare institutions to test and evaluate evidence-based TCM treatments for specific conditions in public hospital settings. Selected projects will have the opportunity to test collaborative care models, generate evidence on patient outcomes and cost effectiveness, and inform future policy and service development.

6.           This follows the selection of seven proposals from the inaugural TCMIS call, launched in 2025. These selected proposals are currently in progress, and include the use of acupuncture for conditions such as post-stroke rehabilitation, cancer-related supportive care for management of pain, insomnia, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues, migraine, knee osteoarthritis, female infertility and drug-resistant epilepsy (refer to Annex B below for further details on the awarded TCMIS projects).

7.           Further details on the TCMIS application process will be released on MOH’s website ahead of the launch of the open call on 3 November 2026.

Advancing Integrated, Patient-Centred Care

8.           The launch of these initiatives reflect Singapore’s continued commitment to delivering safe, evidence-based, and patient-centred healthcare. By strengthening professional standards, expanding access to quality TCM services, and fostering innovation in integrative care, the initiatives will contribute to a more holistic healthcare system.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

17 OCTOBER 2026

Annex A

Criteria for TCM Accreditation Programme

TCM Services Accreditation

The criteria for TCM Services Accreditation cover the following broad categories. Please refer to the ACMS website for the detailed criteria.

1.     Governance

2.     Provision of TCM services 

3.     Environment

4.     Equipment

5.     Hygiene and infection control  

6.     Information Technology capability

7.     TCM medications (including preparation and dispensing) 

8.     Others (including incident management and contingency plans) 

TCM Practitioner Accreditation

1.     Educational Qualification

2.     Years of TCM Clinical Experience

3.     Current Percentage Time Spent in Local TCM Clinical Practice

4.     Professional Standing with TCM Practitioners Board

5.     Other Involvement in TCM (e.g. education / teaching, research, other professional development)

Annex B