Family doctors can become specialists to handle complex cases; TCM practitioners will be able to advertise
A register of psychologists will also be introduced to raise professional standards
FAMILY physicians with advanced training and relevant experience will soon be able to gain recognition as specialists, similar to doctors in other medical fields.
As specialists, they will be able to treat patients with more “complex care needs”, said Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary on Friday (Mar 7) in his ministry’s Committee of Supply debate.
“The healthcare profession recognises the complexity of the work, the importance of our colleagues in primary care, and that specialised training and experience is needed to perform this role well,” Dr Janil said.
Accreditation and training pathways are being worked out. Details on entry criteria, training requirements, and the implementation timeline will be released later this year.
Eased advertising rules
Separately, advertising restrictions for allied health professionals and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners will be relaxed.
Currently, both are barred from advertising the ability to “treat” medical conditions. Under a review of the Healthcare Services Act, these practitioners will soon be allowed to promote their services, with specific guidelines to be announced later.
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As these professions are regulated under their respective professional bodies, their interventions are considered “low risk”, as they follow established standards, Dr Janil said.
Register of psychologists
With an increased focus on mental health, the government is working on a national register of psychologists, to ensure high standards of professionalism and better protect clients.
This will focus on psychologists who provide direct patient care, perform higher-risk assessments and interventions, or have practices spanning across various sectors.
It means that such psychologists must meet certain standards and be officially registered before they can practise.
An inter-agency committee has been formed to oversee the initiative, with details to be shared later.
Dr Janil said: “This will raise professional standards, safeguard patient safety and increase public confidence in psychological services.”
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