SMF-SDO launches first standards for the TCM industry

With the growing worldwide interest of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the increasing demand for natural alternative medicines in Singapore, the Working Group of TCM under the Singapore Standards Council initiated the development a couple of voluntary industry standards to enhance the professionalism of TCM physicians and instill greater confidence in TCM amongst consumers. The two standards, SS 613 and SS 614, were jointly launched by SMF and SPRING Singapore on 5 June 2016.

The panel of speakers

SS613 was developed to standardise the terminology of Chinese medicine and formulae used in the local TCM industry. Over the years, Chinese medicine has acquired multiple unique names from different languages. As the industry garners more attention worldwide, it has become essential to have a standard for common Chinese medicine and standard formulae. This Singapore Standard therefore recommends TCM physicians to use simplified Chinese or hanyu pinyin names to support accurate dispensing of medication as well as systematic documentation on prescription labels. For example, Ginseng is also known as 人参 in Chinese or ren shen in hanyu pinyin,  and Radix Ginseng in Latin. SS 613 harmonises the name of this herb by recommending TCM physicians to use its Chinese name or hanyu pinyin (人参 or ren shen) when prescribing or identifying Ginseng. Adoption and implementation of SS 613 : 2016 will improve communication amongst TCM physicians and between physicians and their patients.

SS614, on the other hand, serves to provide a guide for prescription labels for Chinese medicine. Chinese medications, in the form of tablets, concoctions, powder or herbs, are commonly prescribed to patients post TCM diagnosis. These medications are typically packed into re-sealable plastic bags, paper wrappings or bottles for patients’ consumption or application. Proper labelling of these prescriptions on their respective packaging will help to provide clear instructions on how to administer the medication.  The recommended prescription labels are designed to improve patients’ understanding of the medication, enhance safe medication usage and minimise the risks of medication errors.

A participant from the TCM industry in Singapore addressing the speakers during the interactive panel discussion

Said Dr Swee Yong Peng, Convener of the Working Group for TCM, “As TCM continues to gain a foothold in the medical industry, it is imperative that relevant industry best practice standards are developed. These standards will help to enhance the understanding and receptiveness of TCM by the public.”