Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) continues to play a significant role in healthcare in Singapore. However, with the number of clinics offering herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, and other treatments, patients need clarity on whether a practitioner is properly qualified. Ensuring that you are consulting a registered TCM in Singapore is not only about compliance but also about safeguarding personal health.
Discover straightforward ways to verify legitimacy and why doing so is essential.
4 Ways to Verify Registered TCM
1. Checking Practitioner Registration
The most direct method of confirming whether someone is a registered TCM is to check the official register maintained by the TCM Practitioners Board (TCMPB), a statutory board under the Ministry of Health. The register lists all licensed TCM physicians who have met the professional and educational requirements set by the board. Patients can access the register online and search by name or registration number. This step eliminates the uncertainty that comes with word-of-mouth recommendations or unverified claims of accreditation.
2. Verifying Credentials at the Clinic
Every licensed TCM clinic is expected to display the registration certificates of its practitioners. Patients should look for these documents, usually placed in visible areas such as reception counters or consultation rooms. The certificates indicate the physician’s registration number and confirm their approval to practise. Absence of visible documentation should raise concern, and patients should feel entitled to request proof of credentials before beginning any form of treatment.
3. Observing Professional Standards
Another way to recognise a properly registered TCM is through the professional conduct of the physician. Registered practitioners are bound by a code of practice that dictates proper patient communication, accurate diagnosis, and safe prescription methods. For example, a registered physician will maintain clear patient records, explain treatment plans, and discuss potential risks. Once a physician avoids such practices or appears inconsistent, it may indicate that they are not operating under recognised guidelines.
4. Confirming Clinic Licensing
In addition to checking the individual TCM physicians, patients should verify the licensing of the TCM clinic itself. Licensed clinics are required to meet health and safety standards that cover facilities, equipment, and hygiene practices. The Ministry of Health provides resources to check whether a clinic is properly licensed. Patients should avoid establishments that cannot provide confirmation of their status.
Understanding Why Verification Matters
Identifying a registered TCM is not a formality but a critical safeguard. Registered practitioners have undergone standardised training and assessment, which ensures that their practice aligns with both traditional methods and modern safety requirements. Consulting unregistered practitioners increases the risk of misdiagnosis, unsafe prescriptions, or harmful treatment practices. Additionally, if complications arise, patients have limited recourse against unregistered providers. Verification ensures accountability and protects patients from unnecessary health risks.
Reducing Risks Through Informed Choices
Unregulated practice in TCM can expose patients to treatments that lack oversight or safety checks. Patients reduce risks associated with counterfeit herbal products, improper acupuncture techniques, and inadequate hygiene standards by choosing a practitioner listed as a registered TCM. Making informed decisions about where to seek treatment is a practical measure to ensure that TCM continues to serve as a safe and reliable healthcare option.
Conclusion
Identifying a registered TCM involves straightforward checks such as reviewing the TCMPB register, verifying displayed certificates, observing professional standards, and ensuring that the clinic is licensed. These steps are simple yet critical in protecting patients from unsafe practices and ensuring that treatments are provided by qualified physicians in a properly regulated TCM clinic in Singapore. Verification strengthens trust in healthcare choices and ensures that TCM remains a credible option for treatment.
Your health deserves the right expertise. Contact Great Wall TCM and make informed choices for your health today.