Recognition of Medical Certificates Issued by Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

79 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry can consider implementing guidelines or legislation to formally recognise medical certificates issued by registered Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners especially for certain ailments, such as sprains, back pain, and torn muscles.

Mr Lim Swee Say: Under the Employment Act, all employers are required to grant paid sick leave to employees with medical certificates (MCs) issued by a Government medical officer. In addition, employers are also required to grant paid sick leave for MCs issued by private medical practitioners who are registered under the Medical Registration Act (MRA) and are appointed by the company.

Some employers, including the Public Service, go beyond the requirements of the Employment Act to grant paid sick leave for MCs issued by private medical practitioners other than those appointed by the company.

There were almost 4,000 private medical practitioners registered under the MRA in 2015. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners can also be registered, subject to approval by the Singapore Medical Council.