The Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Herbs in Singapore

Singapore, as a Chinese dominated society, is very common for Chinese medicine. So when I began living in Singapore in 1991, I did not quite understand that Chinese medicine and herbs were not covered under Singapore's national medical system (my colleague told me that if I saw a traditional Chinese doctor, the medical expenses would not be reimbursed nor could I take sick leave). Later when I heard about some more strict regulations, such as banning the import of any Chinese patent medicines containing western medicine ingredients, I felt even more confused because of the concept formed in China all along that the combination of Chinese and Western medicine can both treat the symptoms and cure the root cause, with the fast efficacy characteristics of western medicine and the non-toxic conditioning effect of Chinese medicine.