What is the purpose of the TCM Accreditation Programme?

The program aims to raise standards, strengthen public confidence, and ensure rigorous evidence backs TCM treatments.

Is participation in the TCM Accreditation Programme mandatory?

No, the accreditation is voluntary, and registered TCM practitioners and service providers can continue to practice without accreditation.

Singapore Launches Accreditation for Traditional Chinese Medicine Providers

A new voluntary program aims to enhance standards and public trust in the TCM sector, with five initial clinics receiving accredited status.

2026-10-17 · Updated 2026-10-17

Singapore has introduced a new voluntary Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Accreditation Programme, with applications opening on October 17. This initiative seeks to elevate standards in patient safety, clinical governance, service quality, and professional competence within the TCM sector. Five TCM providers have already been granted the first Accredited TCM Clinic status for meeting these new benchmarks.

The program includes accreditation for both TCM service providers and individual practitioners. Service providers will be evaluated on aspects like governance, hygiene, and medication management, while practitioners will be assessed on their qualifications, experience, and professional standing. The Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore, has been appointed as the accrediting body.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that the accreditation goes beyond basic licensing, signifying a commitment to robust governance and public confidence. He highlighted that accredited providers may have opportunities to collaborate with the Ministry of Health on future TCM care models and national healthcare initiatives.

Further initiatives are underway to integrate TCM into the broader healthcare system. The Ministry of Health is exploring allowing accredited TCM practitioners to order X-rays in collaborative care arrangements with general practitioners. Additionally, the TCM Integrative Sandbox initiative will test selected TCM treatments in public hospital settings to assess their safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency.

The Ministry of Health is also developing a proof-of-concept initiative to explore collaboration between TCM practitioners and General Practitioners within Singapore's national preventive health strategy, Healthier SG. This initiative aims to leverage the natural overlap between TCM's focus on diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications and modern preventive medicine.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the TCM Accreditation Programme?: The program aims to raise standards, strengthen public confidence, and ensure rigorous evidence backs TCM treatments.
Is participation in the TCM Accreditation Programme mandatory?: No, the accreditation is voluntary, and registered TCM practitioners and service providers can continue to practice without accreditation.