Qualifications of and Complaints against Chiropractors Practising in Singapore
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of chiropractors in Singapore, complaints received, and training differences between chiropractors, physiotherapists, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar sought industry statistics and regulatory details, to which Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported approximately 150 chiropractors and 90 establishments nationwide. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong noted that the sector is self-regulated as a complementary service, with minimal annual complaints focused on advertising and sales. He explained that most chiropractors hold four-year overseas degrees, while TCM and physiotherapy practitioners must meet specific local or recognized overseas academic criteria for registration. These criteria include five-year TCM diplomas or degrees and four-year physiotherapy programs developed with international partners or recognized by the Allied Health Professions Council.
Transcript
37 Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current number of chiropractors and chiropractic chains locally; (b) how many complaints against chiropractors or chiropractic chains have been received over the last five years; and (c) how is the training and qualification of chiropractors different from that of physiotherapists or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) estimates that there are about 150 chiropractors in Singapore. Based on the number of business entities1 registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the number of chiropractic establishments is estimated to be about 90.
Over the past five years, MOH received an average of four chiropractic-related feedbacks per year, usually related to the misleading use of titles, advertising or claims, and sales and refunds on treatment packages. Chiropractic services are considered as complementary and alternative treatments, and are not licensed under the Private Hospital and Medical Clinic Act (PHMCA). Chiropractors are encouraged to practise self-regulation through their professional associations.
Most chiropractors in Singapore have four or more years of overseas university or postgraduate studies. For TCM practitioners, applicants with a five-year local Advanced Diploma in TCM or an overseas TCM Bachelor's degree recognised by the TCMP Board can qualify for the Singapore TCMP Registration Examination. For physiotherapists, the Singapore Institute of Technology offers a four-year Physiotherapy Bachelor's degree programme, jointly developed with Trinity College Dublin. The Allied Health Professions Council also maintains a list of recognised overseas qualifications for physiotherapists to practice locally.