Healthier SG is Singapore’s new preventive care strategy looking to reform its healthcare system towards keeping people healthy rather than treating them only after they fall ill. At the heart of these changes, is the recommendation for residents to have one regular family doctor so as to build long-term patient-doctor relationships which will improve continuity of care.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has also come into the spotlight as a partner that could complement the role of general practitioners in safeguarding people’s health. There are over 3000 registered TCM practitioners in Singapore who have long been serving the community but their roles are often understated.

However, TCM has been gaining recognition over the years globally. In 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had endorsed its complementary role in maintaining and improving health outcomes. World renowned medical centres like Mayo Clinic have been using integrative approaches that are evidence-based to treat patients.

At The HEAD Foundation, we believe that combining the best of Eastern and Western philosophies in medicine will bring about holistic health outcomes for each individual. The Ministry of Health’s intent to explore ways of incorporating TCM into Healthy SG, is one step closer to making this a reality in Singapore.