English translation of Minister’s speech
Professor Teo Eng Kiat, President of Singapore Chinese Physicians Association (SCPA)
Board of Directors of SCPA
Members of SCPA
Ladies and Gentlemen
- Congratulations to the Singapore Chinese Physicians Association (SCPA) on its 75th anniversary.
SCPA’s Milestones
- The story of SCPA dates back to 1946, after World War II. At that time, a group of Chinese physicians in Singapore gathered to discuss the setup of an organisation to unify the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community and improve the practice of TCM. While the objectives were simple, they had far-reaching implications for local development of TCM in the following decades.
- Over the past 75 years, SCPA has crossed significant milestones. In 1952 and 1953 respectively, SCPA established the Singapore Chung Hwa Medical Institution and Singapore College of TCM. In the 1960s and 70s, SCPA went on to set up what is now known as the Chung Hwa Medical and Drugs Research Institute and the Chung Hwa Acupuncture Research Institute. These institutions are now familiar household names, playing significant social and healthcare roles.
- 75 years on, SCPA remains the largest TCM association in Singapore.
TCM’s Role in Managing Chronic Illnesses
- While we face our biggest enemy COVID-19 today, the rise in incidence of chronic diseases will always be a constant healthcare challenge.
- When it comes to chronic diseases, all doctors, regardless whether you are a Chinese, Indian or Western doctor, know that prevention is better than cure. This means leading a healthy lifestyle, having a good diet, and staying happy and optimistic.
- This is not a new concept. More than 2,000 years ago, the “Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine” had already started to recommend the need for a balanced diet and work-life balance to maintain good health. With Yin and Yang balanced, it keeps illnesses at bay.
- Today, that is Ministry of Health’s (MOH) core policy. We have progressively strengthened healthcare resources in the primary and community care settings, and placed greater emphasis in promoting healthy living. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is dedicated to do this. And I think, there is potential for TCM to play in the management of chronic conditions in our society.
- MOH will therefore continue to support the TCM sector, including for it to play a larger role in our healthcare sector. One initiative is the $8 million TCM Research Grant in 2014, which aims to promote research collaborations between western doctors and TCM Practitioners. To date, 19 projects have been awarded. Such collaborations would allow western doctors to understand more about TCM, and TCM practitioners conduct more clinical research.
- MOH has also stepped up support for the professional development of the TCM sector, including through the $5 million TCM Development Grant launched in 2018. It supported over 50 TCM clinics in upgrading their clinics and IT facilities, eleven TCM conferences and forums, and TCM Continuing Professional Education course fees for many students.
- This month, we also appointed two workgroups, with representatives from the major TCM organisations, to explore how to further enhance clinical training for newly registered TCMPs, and a career and remuneration guideline for TCM practitioners.
International Recognition of TCM
- We need to recognise that TCM is a complete set of medical knowledge and practice, with a history of several thousand years, and an important part of Chinese cultural heritage.
- I am glad to see its rising international recognition. Every few decades, the World Health Organization’s governing body, the World Health Assembly, will publish the organisation’s global compendium, known as the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, or ICD.
- The ICD is a very significant global document. It categorises thousands of diseases, and affects how physicians make diagnoses, insurance companies determine coverage, epidemiologists ground their research and health officials interpret mortality statistics.
- The 11th revision of the ICD will come into effect on 1 Jan 2022. For the first time, the ICD will feature a classification system on traditional medicine, and will make TCM an integral part of global healthcare.
- Locally, SCPA can continue to promote TCM and its role in our national healthcare strategy. With the practice of Western medicine focusing more on preventive care, and Chinese medicine focusing more on education and research, I look forward to the two worlds gravitating closer towards each other, to provide better care for our people.
Conclusion
- Finally, I would like to thank all TCM associations and practitioners for your continued support and cooperation in the fight against COVID-19 over the past two years. As trusted healthcare providers to your patients, you have been able to persuade and encourage your patients, especially the elderly, to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster. Every vaccination could be a life saved.
- We are now facing the unknown Omicron. We don’t know if Omicron will turn out to be a bigger enemy or savior, but Omicron is likely to spread globally, including Singapore, in the next few months, and establish itself in every society. I hope to continue to count on the support of the TCM community to overcome what challenges that may come our way.
- I wish you a fruitful Symposium.
Source: Ministry of Health, Singapore