Forum: Singapore should conduct its own research on TCM
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I read the article “MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare
This concept emphasises using the most reliable and relevant research to guide clinical practice, rather than relying solely on tradition, intuition or anecdotal evidence.
As a Western-trained medical doctor, I have been sceptical of TCM. For me to apply TCM, it has to be subject to the same level of scrutiny as Western medicine.
But in my 30 years of practice, I have encountered many patients taking both Western medicine and TCM concurrently.
A survey showed that one in five adult Singaporeans relies on TCM services each year.
Our management of patients is always changing, according to results from the latest medical research, usually in the form of randomised, controlled clinical trials.
Doing local research on TCM and using the methodology applied to Western medicine would help enhance acceptance of TCM into mainstream practice.
Mainland China and Hong Kong are leading the way in TCM research. It is high time Singapore jumped on the bandwagon and conducted its own research on TCM to treat various medical illnesses.
Dr Desmond Wai
