13 DEC 2020
TCM has a vital role to play in controlling chronic illnesses in Singapore, and the Ministry of Health (MOH) would continue to support the sector, according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Sunday (Dec 12).
Mr Ong commended all TCM groups and practitioners for their support and collaboration in the fight against Covid-19 over the last two years, speaking in Mandarin at an event at Raffles City Convention Centre to honor the 75th anniversary of the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Ong went on to say that while Covid-19 is today’s largest challenge, the rise in chronic disease incidence will always be a healthcare concern.
Photo: Sin Kang TCM 2021
“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,” he said.
According to Mr Ong, the ancient Chinese medical classic Emperor’s Canon Of Internal Medicine, which suggested a balanced diet and work-life balance, mirrored a similar concept more than 2,000 years ago.
He went on to say that it’s crucial to recognize that TCM is a comprehensive set of medical knowledge and practice with a long history and is an important component of Chinese cultural heritage.
Photo: Sin Kang TCM 2021
Mr. Ong stated that the Ministry of Health has already taken various initiatives to help the TCM industry, including two multimillion-dollar grants that were previously announced.
A $5 million grant was introduced in 2018 to help TCM clinics upgrade their clinics and IT infrastructure, as well as invest in continuing professional education. $8 million was given in 2014 to foster research collaborations between Western doctors and Chinese medicine practitioners.
“I hope to continue to count on the support of the TCM community to overcome challenges that may come our way,” Mr Ong said, noting that Singapore now faced the threat of the Omicron Covid-19 strain.
Authored by The Straits Times
