Singapore Pushes TCM Integration Forward

Singapore is actively advancing the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into its national healthcare framework. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasized that the focus is on how TCM and Western medicine can safely and effectively complement each other.

He noted that TCM is a vast resource for further exploration, citing examples like artemisinin and moxibustion for breech presentation. Singapore is implementing a four-pronged strategy encompassing education, accreditation, evidence-based integration, and preventive care.

This initiative was highlighted at the 23rd World Congress of Chinese Medicine, hosted in Singapore. The event convened over 1,400 experts from 25 countries and regions.

TCM's global footprint is significant, with interventions reaching 196 countries and regions. WHO data indicates that 113 member states recognize TCM therapies, and 20 have integrated them into national health security systems.

The congress theme focused on addressing global health challenges and deepening TCM integration into national healthcare systems. TCM offers distinct strengths in holistic thinking, syndrome differentiation, and preventive medicine, contributing Eastern wisdom to global health governance.

Chinese Ambassador Cao Zhongming urged TCM to "take root locally" within national health systems through strengthened standards, research, and talent cultivation. The goal is to build a global community of health for all.

TCM is evolving from "going global" to "integrating into the world," offering "Chinese solutions" for issues like chronic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.