Singapore: Ministry of Health announces reforms to the industry with updates to the regime under the Healthcare Services Act

14 Mar 2025    2 minute read
Sectors Healthcare & Life Sciences

In brief

On 7 March 2025, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced a host of changes to the healthcare system to address the shifting needs of the Singapore population. These changes included a review of advertising regulations for certain healthcare professionals, the recognition of family medicine as a medical specialty and the introduction of registration requirements for psychologists. 

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In more detail

Recognition of family medicine as a medical specialty

Family medicine will be formally recognized as a medical specialty in Singapore. This will allow family doctors with the requisite qualifications to be recognized as family medicine specialists. The move acknowledges the importance of family doctors in providing comprehensive care to patients with complex care needs. To become a family medicine specialist, a family doctor will have to undergo advanced training. Details of the training requirements and entry criteria will be released later this year.

Registration requirements for psychologists

The MOH has announced a registration requirement for psychologists to practice in Singapore. This move comes amid concerns over patient safety as more psychologists practice in private and community sectors. This registry is in the process of being implemented by an interagency committee consisting of practitioners and service providers.

Review of advertising regulations for selected healthcare professionals

The MOH will reassess advertising requirements to allow more healthcare professionals to promote their services.

To prevent the public from being misled by services that are not licensed by the MOH, the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) prohibits advertisements by service providers stating that they are able to "treat" a medical condition, unless they are a licensable service under the HCSA.

This prohibition will be reviewed to enable professionals listed in the First Schedule of the Allied Health Professions Act (which includes clinical psychologists and speech therapists) and professions regulated under other professional acts or professional organizations (which includes traditional Chinese medicine practitioners) to advertise their services safely and appropriately, even though the services are not licensable under the HCSA.

The professionals will still have to adhere to the existing and clear standards of practice set by their professional associations and with advertising requirements under the HCSA.

Further details will be shared once ready.

Key takeaways

The changes announced by the MOH signal a recalibration of the healthcare system in Singapore based on the changing needs of the population. In particular, Singapore is paying special attention to the issues of an aging population and an increasing awareness of mental health. These changes suggest that the government has an increased focus on holistic care in the healthcare system. Further changes aimed at allowing for more comprehensive and coordinated healthcare services can be expected in the future. 

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Contact Information
Andy Leck
Principal
Singapore
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andy.leck@bakermckenzie.com
Ren Jun Lim
Principal
Singapore
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ren.jun.lim@bakermckenzie.com

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