Assessment of Osteopathic Medicine as Treatment Option for Musculoskeletal Problems and Overall Health

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the Government’s assessment of osteopathic medicine as a treatment option for musculoskeletal problems and overall health; and (b) whether there are any plans to register and regulate osteopaths as allied health professionals in Singapore.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Osteopathic medicine is considered a form of complementary medicine in Singapore. Although there are some small studies done in other countries on its use in pain management related to musculoskeletal disorders, better designed, higher quality, multi-centre, randomised control clinical trials are needed to affirm the efficacy and safety of osteopathic medicine.

There are currently no plans to register and regulate osteopaths as allied health professionals.