Guidance in place for clear information on prescriptions

We thank Ms Tan Yen Ling for her feedback on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medications (Show details of herbs in TCM medications, Aug 16).

TCM practitioners are required to comply with requirements under the TCM Practitioners Act and adhere to the TCM Practitioners Board’s Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

Registered TCM practitioners are expected to provide clear information to patients with regard to their prescriptions, including the names and dosages of herbal medicines prescribed. Patients should also be informed of the purpose of the prescribed medicines, the method of preparation, contraindication and possible side effects.

We will continue to reiterate these obligations in our regular communications with the TCM community.

For concerns and feedback on registered TCM practitioners and their practices, members of the public can seek help from the TCM Practitioners Board.

Ruth Lim (Dr)
Director, Primary and Community Care
Ministry of Health