Letter from Dr. Oh Jen Jen, “Facilitate the filing of complaints against TCM practitioners“
(July 5), needs some clarification to clear up some misconceptions about the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Although TCM is a well-established and highly sought-after healthcare option in Singapore, it is considered complementary medicine and,
as such, TCM practitioners are subject to certain restrictions.
For example, in the context of Health Services (Clinical Laboratory Service and Radiology Service)
Pursuant to the 2021 Regulations, holders of a radiological service license (including x-ray laboratories) may carry out a radiological examination of the patient only if an “applicant” orders the radiological examination.
The definition of “applicant” does not include TCM practitioners. Therefore, Dr Oh’s statement that practitioners do not advise their patients to take x-rays appears to be misinterpreted.
On the topic of “complications, infections and steroid-induced cases” allegedly caused by
TCM Practitioners, TCM practitioners strictly follow disinfection guidelines when treating patients.
Some infections may be due to poor compliance with hygiene rules by the patients themselves. Infections occur whether the patient has received Western or TCM treatments.
As for “steroid-induced cases”, TCM practitioners in Singapore are not licensed to use steroids and do not have access to these medications. So Dr. Oh can
I want to re-examine the origin
of these cases.
We should also keep in mind that some patients with serious chronic illnesses may resort to TCM treatment as a last resort after consulting Western doctors.
TCM practitioners should not be singled out as ineffective when they fail, as their Western-trained doctors are also known to do.
Finally, I admire Dr. Oh’s civic call for a simpler procedure for doctors to complain against TCM practitioners, but I wish it had been done in a less accusatory tone.
Koh Chin Aik
President
Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Singapore)
