HRSINGAPORE^® Community Reports

March 2007

Dear HR Professionals

Should a company recognise medical certificates (MCs) issued by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners? And if so, should the company provide reimbursement for treatment by a TCM practitioner?

Some HR practitioners in the HRSINGAPORE^® forum say that they will only provide medical benefits from doctors registered with the Ministry of Health. However, others have suggested that it is up to the company to exercise discretion if an employee visits a TCM clinic for treatment.

Those who do accept MCs from TCM practitioners insist that they be on the TCM Practitioners Board. And the company usually reimburses up to 50% of the medical bill if it is within the allocated budget.

"HR practitioners need to be discerning" says Mr Ong Loong Tee, VP for HR Consultancy in HRSINGAPORE^®, "but at the same time must be open to new developments in the environment and how it will affect our employees. HR policies and practices may need to be reviewed accordingly." ", adds Mr Ong.

Some of the other issues discussed in March were:

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