Singapore Government Press Release

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Good evening, Chairman, Vice Chairman

and members of the Singapore

Thong Chai Medical Institution;

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

I am indeed very honoured to be invited to the Thong Chai Medical Institution's 130^th Anniversary Dinner. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Mr Tan Tock San, Chairman of the Thong Chai Medical Institution, and its members for the invitation. Thong Chai Medical Institution has made tremendous contributions to our society since its inception in 1867 as "Thong Chai Yee Say" (Thong Chai Medical Society) occupying a shop-house as its premise of operation. It has committed itself to praiseworthy missions of disaster relief, provision of free treatment and medication for the poor regardless of race or creed, and promotion of TCM education and research. It will be remembered for its selfless role in providing relief for victims of disasters such as those who suffered the fire disasters at Tiong Bahru, Bukit Ho Swee and Havelock Road districts in 1934, 1961 and 1963, and caring for the sick and poor during the Japanese Occupation. Its generosity in providing free medication and treatment of the poor has benefited generations of Singaporeans, of all races, and is still being appreciated and well-received till this day.

2 As early as 1980 Thong Chai Medical Institution has taken up the task of advancing the local TCM standard, by arranging for TCM seminars with renowned overseas TCM experts as speakers. This commendable initiative has been sustained till the present. I understand that for upgrading the standard of its own staff, regular academic meetings are being held for the Institution’s TCM practitioners. This should be the kind of spirit shared by all in the TCM community.

3 Since the release of the 1995 report by the Committee on TCM, MOH has been working very closely with the STCMOCC towards upgrading the local TCM standard and attaining self-regulation of the TCM practitioners in Singapore. I am happy to note that the 2 bigger schools have already changed their 5-year part-time course to a new 6-year part-time course. I would like to urge the local schools to work together further to come up with a common course structure, taking reference from equivalent courses in China. I understand that the STCMOCC and the 2 bigger schools are currently reviewing their syllabus and curriculum with this objective in mind. I hope this would be completed soon.

4 I understand that STCMOCC is also working on courses for existing TCM practitioners and acupuncturists who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills. I would like to ask the various TCM bodies to participate and join the STCMOCC’s effort to establish this type of upgrading courses. As Thong Chai is not conducting the 6-year part-time course, I hope it will join in the combined effort to plan for and conduct the upgrading courses. However I want to stress that the exit standard of these upgrading courses must be targeted at the graduating standard of the 6-year TCM course and the equivalent standard in acupuncture respectively.

5 In 1996 STCMOCC started a survey on TCM practitioners to facilitate their work on listing. After more than a year's labour and much deliberation on the various issues, STCMOCC has completed the survey and compilation of the Lists for TCM practitioners in Singapore according to the recommendations of the Committee on TCM. The Lists will ensure that sufficient information is available to the public so that they can make informed choices on the TCM practitioners whom they wish to consult.

6 I understand the Lists include the following information:

Names of the TCM practitioners or acupuncturists in both English and Chinese;

Qualification or training background. Details include the name of the school graduated from; or the type of training received if not formally trained;

Address and phone number of the clinic; and also

A remark column indicating, among other things, whether the TCM practitioners or acupuncturists are practising full-time, part-time or not practising at the moment.

7 MOH would like to urge STCMOCC to make the Lists available to the public soon. I hope STCMOCC would continue to review the criteria for entry into the Lists and to establish a system for record of practice especially for future entries.

8 Besides the listing exercise, STCMOCC has already drawn up a set of Code of Ethics and is also finalising the Disciplinary Procedure. I would like to suggest that STCMOCC look into how the disciplinary process can realistically be implemented, including the formation of a Disciplinary Committee.

9 With the Code of Ethics, the Disciplinary Procedure, and the release of the Lists for acupuncturists and TCM practitioners, the TCM community will be able to commence self-regulation soon. This will mark a new milestone in the development of TCM in Singapore.

10 I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate STCMOCC for having accomplished the tasks related to self-regulation. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation for the support given by the local TCM community with regard to this matter.

11 Lastly, I would like to thank Thong Chai Medical Institution once again for inviting me this evening. Thong Chai Medical Institution is playing an important role in STCMOCC and has participated actively at various developments of the local TCM scene. I thank you for your effort and wish you every success in your future endeavours.