From painkillers to acupuncture: Singapore's public hospitals expand TCM use in acute care

Singapore's public hospitals are expanding the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in acute care, offering acupuncture alongside conventional treatment for various conditions. At SGH and CGH, acupuncture is now available in short-stay units linked to emergency departments for patients with lower back pain. The treatment can be offered as an alternative or supplementary option, helping to reduce pain, improve mobility, and shorten hospital stays.

SGH's acupuncture service centre leads the initiative, assessing patient suitability based on factors like pregnancy, needle phobia, and bleeding risks. Each acupuncture session lasts 45 minutes and is offered as a one-off treatment during the patient's stay. Preliminary results show a significant reduction in pain levels for some patients. CGH has also incorporated acupuncture into its short-stay unit care protocol for lower back pain since May 2022.

The expansion of TCM use in Singapore's public hospitals reflects a growing trend, with the Ministry of Health exploring a larger role for selected TCM treatments alongside Western medicine. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung suggested in October 2024 that certain TCM treatments could qualify for healthcare financing support, such as subsidies and MediSave withdrawals, under a carefully regulated approach.