Why shut TCM retailers during circuit breaker?

During the circuit breaker to slow the spread of Covid-19, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics may stay open only for the delivery of essential services. 

Yet it seems rather inequitable that while pharmacies that sell Western medicine are allowed to continue operating during the circuit breaker, TCM shops are barred from doing so.

TCM herbal pills, plasters, ointments and lotions, which are generally not available in pharmacies, are effective remedies for a range of ailments, especially minor injuries due to sprains, strains and sports. 

Many of these TCM products are made locally and are certified under the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) scheme, which ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled in line with quality standards. Furthermore, they are allowed for sale as Chinese proprietary medicines by Singapore’s authorities.

Common medicines such as Panadol are also available in pharmacies and TCM shops, and they typically cost less at TCM shops. 

TCM shops are essential in complementing pharmacies to provide the public with a full spectrum of medication, both Western and Eastern. Their offering of many common medicines at lower prices is a bonus.

More importantly, treating TCM on a par with Western medicine by allowing its sale during the circuit breaker may indirectly encourage more local manufacturing of TCM products after the pandemic, so that we may become self-sufficient in the future. 

The bottom line is that safe distancing is unlikely to be compromised because no one will visit TCM shops or pharmacies except to buy the necessary medicinal products.

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