Forum: Uphold rigorous safety standards for TCM too
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I have a few questions after reading the article “Singapore to accredit first five TCM providers under broader Chinese-Western medicine push” (Oct 17).
First, why might randomised controlled trials be “not practical” for TCM or traditional Chinese medicine? Science requires rigorous trials for claims to be verified. Are accreditation requirements being watered down for TCM?
Second, traditional Indian Ayurveda medicine has been able to obtain evidence from double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. Should Indian traditional medicine also be accredited?
Third, how are TCM practitioners qualified to order X-rays? And can they interpret X-ray reports and prescribe follow-up treatment?
Albert Tay Beng Guan