ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICE IN SINGAPORE

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Health (a) whether and what proficiency requirements are laid down by his Ministry for the practice of acupuncture in Singapore; and (b) whether his Ministry is aware of an article in the newspaper West Australian of 23rd September, 1977, alleging ease with which certificates of proficiency in acupuncture can be obtained in Singapore, and if it has looked, or intends to look, into the matter.

The Minister for Health (Dr Toh Chin Chye): Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no legislation in Singapore controlling the practice of acupuncture. My Ministry does not issue certificates of proficiency in acupuncture nor is it our intention in the future to control acupuncture which is empirical and is part of traditional Chinese medical practice.

The answer to part (b) is that my Ministry does not subscribe to the West Australian, nor does the Parliament library. I do not see a copy of this paper in the Members' Room. So the answer is: I do not know what the West Australian is alleging.