- Singapore requires people practising TCM to be registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board and to hold a valid practising certificate. This professional registration is separate from ordinary business registration.
- MOH currently states that TCM clinics themselves are not licensed as healthcare services under the same framework used for licensable medical services. That does not mean TCM practice is unregulated: registered practitioners remain subject to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act, professional ethics and practice requirements.
- If you are unsure whether someone is registered, use Singapore’s official healthcare professionals directory. It is reasonable to verify professional status before treatment, especially when a provider makes unusually strong claims or does not clearly identify the practitioner.
TCM practitioners in Singapore must be registered
Singapore requires people practising TCM to be registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board and to hold a valid practising certificate. This professional registration is separate from ordinary business registration.
A TCM clinic and a TCM practitioner are not regulated in exactly the same way
MOH currently states that TCM clinics themselves are not licensed as healthcare services under the same framework used for licensable medical services. That does not mean TCM practice is unregulated: registered practitioners remain subject to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act, professional ethics and practice requirements.
You can verify a practitioner
If you are unsure whether someone is registered, use Singapore’s official healthcare professionals directory. It is reasonable to verify professional status before treatment, especially when a provider makes unusually strong claims or does not clearly identify the practitioner.
Herbs and health products still need safety checks
Traditional or “natural” does not automatically mean safe. Product identity, ingredients, dosage, pregnancy, kidney or liver disease, allergies, other medicines and the source of the product can all matter. Tell both your doctor and TCM practitioner what you are taking.
Be cautious with exaggerated advertising
Claims that a therapy can guarantee a cure, replace necessary medical assessment, or treat a serious disease without appropriate diagnosis deserve caution. Responsible TCM care should be able to explain limits and when conventional medical care is needed.
What this means when choosing care
Look for clear practitioner identity, sensible explanations, realistic treatment goals, hygiene, willingness to discuss your medicines and medical conditions, and a readiness to refer or advise medical assessment when symptoms fall outside appropriate TCM support.
Shande TCM in central Singapore
Shande TCM has served Singapore since 2018 from Fortune Centre at 190 Middle Road. The clinic provides TCM consultation, acupuncture, Tuina, Chinese medicine and related wellness support in English and Mandarin. Appointment availability can change, so call before travelling.
Related reading and next steps
Official references
These official links are provided for Singapore regulatory and safety information.
This page provides general health and TCM education, not an individual diagnosis. Sudden, severe, persistent or rapidly worsening symptoms — especially emergency warning signs — require appropriate conventional medical assessment.