TCM may be big help for elderly in Singapore
Singapore: While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is complementary to mainstream medicine in Singapore, it can play an important role in meeting the healthcare challenges of the republic’s ageing population.
The principles of TCM and its approach to disease prevention and management hold the potential to do so, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong yesterday.
“Acupuncture for niche areas like pain management and stroke rehabilitation is now available at public hospitals, an important step to a more holistic approach to patient care,” said Gan, giving an example.
He was speaking at the International Conference for the Modernisation of Chinese Medicine, held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Gan said by 2030, more than onefifth of Singapore’s population would be over 65 years old, and about a quarter of Singaporeans aged 40 and above would have at least one chronic disease.
“Our ageing population will not only mean a heavier chronic disease load, but also one with increased complexity,” he added.
He said TCM had the potential to help meet the healthcare challenges of an ageing population.
But with the rising demand for TCM and higher patient expectations, Gan noted that the professionalism of the field must be raised to boost its safety and efficacy.
“Accumulating evidencebased research is key for TCM’s continued development to reach the goals of better quality, safety and efficacy, and further contribute to Singapore’s healthcare,” he added.
In that regard, the Health Ministry has set aside a total of S$3mil (RM9mil) for TCM research.
The focus of the research, Gan said, should be on conditions which are prevalent in Singapore such as chronic diseases.
TCM professionals can work alongside medical colleagues to improve patient outcomes.
The minister said research would help healthcare providers and the public make more informed decisions and provide clinically-proven, costeffective TCM treatment to serve healthcare needs more efficiently. — The Straits Times/Asia News Network