SINGAPORE: In a groundbreaking effort to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into the broader healthcare landscape, key players like Thomson Medical Group are advocating for TCM practitioners to gain access to national patient medical records. This initiative aims to better support patients, particularly in areas such as fertility, where TCM has shown significant effectiveness.

According to Melvin Heng, CEO of Thomson Medical Group, TCM practitioners have been collaborating with IVF specialists for years to boost reproductive health outcomes. "TCM practices not only optimize patients' health but also increase the success rates of IVF procedures," Heng noted in a recent interview.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is currently working on a national healthcare initiative called Healthier SG, which intends to incorporate TCM practices into the mainstream healthcare system. Dr. Heng expressed confidence that this integration would lead to more validation of TCM and improved health outcomes for patients.

The Need for Comprehensive Patient Data

One crucial factor that could enhance TCM's effectiveness is granting TCM practitioners access to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR). This is a database containing vital patient information, including lifestyle therapies and medications, which TCM and Western medicine practitioners could utilize to craft tailored treatment plans.

Ng Seow Ling, managing director of Eu Yan Sang Integrative Health, echoed this sentiment, stressing that an overarching view of a patient's prescribed medications allows TCM practitioners to make better-informed treatment decisions. "For example, if a patient is already on several Western medications, they might benefit more from acupuncture than herbal remedies," she explained.

Bridging the Gap in Healthcare

Health Minister Ong Ke Yung remarked that TCM is an excellent means of encouraging more people to engage with the Healthier SG initiative, as a significant portion of Singaporeans—approximately one-fifth—have consulted TCM practitioners. The initiative currently has over a million enrollees, approaching its target for participation.

Dr. Heng pointed out that TCM often serves as the initial step for patients who are uncovering their health issues. The conservative approach of TCM makes it an attractive option for many individuals hesitant about more invasive treatments. “In an Asian population, TCM is an integral part of healthcare vernacular and should not be overlooked,” he added.

As part of their collaborative efforts, TCM doctors are now working closely with Western counterparts to foster mutual understanding and improve patient care outcomes. For instance, if a family doctor diagnoses a patient with high blood sugar, that patient could be advised to implement lifestyle changes while also seeking TCM treatments like acupuncture or herbal medicine during the recovery period.

Future Collaboration and Integration

The MOH is also exploring innovative ways to incorporate TCM treatments into public clinics and hospitals, potentially allowing these therapies to be subsidized in the future. Ongoing discussions among TCM providers and Western healthcare professionals will focus on developing collaborative models that define specific roles and workflows in patient care.

The Ministry aims to establish an accreditation framework for TCM providers, with a target rollout by 2026. This proactive approach could redefine the healthcare landscape in Singapore, ensuring that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.

This bold initiative not only paves the way for better health outcomes but also serves as a promising model for integrating traditional and modern medical practices worldwide. As more patients seek holistic healthcare solutions, the demand for integrated systems like this will likely continue to rise.