Regulations to Ensure Safe Medical Practices and Science-based Treatments at Longevity-medicine Clinics

The following question stood in the name of

Ms Joan Pereira: – ****

1 To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health what regulatory and enforcement measures are in place to ensure that longevity-medicine clinics adhere to safe medical practices and science-based and evidence-based treatments for the protection of clients and patients.

Ms Gho Sze Kee (Mountbatten): Question No 1.

The Senior Minister of State for Health (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health): Sir, all outpatient medical service providers, including those offering medical services associated with longevity, must be licensed and comply with the requirements under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA).

In addition, medical practitioners are required to adhere to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines (ECEG). Both HCSA and SMC ECEG require medical service providers and practitioners to provide only safe, rational and evidence-based medical treatments in accordance with accepted clinical practice. Where non-standard medical treatments are considered, they should only be provided in the context of a clinical study. Such studies must comply with the ethical requirements for research studies including prior approval from a local Institutional Research Board.

These services are monitored through routine inspections and compliance audits, which may also be triggered by complaints. Providers that fail to meet standards may be subject to regulatory action or enforcement measures including imprisonment and financial penalties. If the Ministry receives information that a medical practitioner has engaged in practices which are not in accordance with the SMC ECEG, the Ministry will lodge a complaint against the medical practitioner to the SMC.

The public is encouraged to discuss with their doctor on appropriate and evidence-based tests and treatments recommended in their individual circumstances, to avoid unnecessary interventions and costs. For the general population, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise and staying socially engaged remains foundational to maintaining good health.