Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can play a useful role in lifestyle changes when it comes to making Healthy SG part of the national preventive health plan, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament on Monday (Nov 11). Western-based interventions such as health screening, vaccination and chronic disease management will need to continue to be carried out by general practitioners (GPs). Mr Ong said his ministry will consult with Western doctors and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners on how they can collaborate on care, and that training and support for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners will be based on this. A productive collaboration should lead to increased preventive care, such as screenings and vaccinations, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles, he said. MOH and the TCM Board of Practitioners will launch a voluntary accreditation system to accredit TCM providers who can take part in Healthier SG. Mr Ong said this would ensure good governance, adherence to protocols and maintenance of professional competencies. When it comes to medical certifications (MCs), employers have the discretion to recognize certifications issued by TCM practitioners, although they are not legally required to do so. Responding to a question from an MP, Mr Ong said authorities should review scientific research on TCM, beyond acupuncture for back and neck pain, to explore the possibility of it being further integrated into acute hospital settings.