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Organization Profile

Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institution (STCMI) was established as a charitable clinic in 1867. Braving through decades of challenges, the Thong Chai spirit of giving freely has remained constant, and to this day, the institution adheres to its founding principle of “providing free medical consultation and TCM to all regardless of race, religion and nationality”.

Thong Chai Building at Chin Swee Road was opened on 28 November 1976. The ceremony was graced by then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. As we face a graying population, the aging premises and medical facilities were no longer able to meet the needs of our patients. On 21 March 2010, the first ever mega TV fund-raising show “Thong Chai Charity Night” was held to raise funds for expansion and upgrading plans. During which, international superstar Jackie Chan was appointed as the institution’s Charity Ambassador. S$8.39 million were raised and expansion plans were completed successfully. On 17 September 2012, Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean, graced the Thong Chai Building Extension Opening Ceremony.

Apart from General Practice clinics, the institution also provides specialized consultations and treatments in six disciplines, namely Acupuncture for stroke and pain management, Metabolism, Oncology, Fertility, Kidney Disease, and Pediatrics. At present, the institution employs more than 50 MOH-registered and qualified physicians to provide free TCM outpatient consultations for all with the support of dispensary and administrative staff.

In light of the growing importance of TCM research and continuing education, Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research was established in 2003. It has since launched many TCM educational courses and on-the-job training programs, where highly qualified physicians and professors share their professional knowledge, This vision is in line with the implementation of compulsory CPE Programme for TCM practitioners to renew their practising licenses.

In 2007, STCMI entered into a collaboration with Nanyang Technological University Double Degree in Bachelor of Sciences in Biomedical Sciences and Bachelor of Chinese Medicine, to be one of the centers for clinical attachment. A scholarship was set up by the institution to fund promising undergraduates for their overseas studies. Many scholars have since then joined the institution as resident physicians upon graduation. This puts the institution one step closer to preserving the knowledge and value of TCM over generations.

In celebration of its 145th anniversary in 2012, the institution extended its reach into the community by setting up two branch clinics at Blk 425 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 and Sengkang Community Hub. Following which, in 2017 and 2020, 2 more branch clinics were opened, namely at Blk 614 Bedok Reservoir Road and Blk 167 Bukit Batok West Ave 8 respectively. With five clinics scattered island wide, the institution has fulfilled its aspiration of completing a network of clinics covering all areas of Singapore. The institution currently provides free TCM services to more than 1300 patients daily with annual expenses of more than 10 million dollars.

Since its inception, the institution has always been an independent charitable organization. Faced with ever increasing expenses that is only partially covered by property rental revenue, the institution owes its success to the strong support of philanthropists from all walks of life, the generous donations by corporations and organizations, the contributions from its board of directors and the effort of every physician and employee.

Moving forward, the institution will continue to abide by the principles advocated by its forebears and actively promote the philanthropic spirits of its founders. Your charitable contributions and support will enable the institution to continue to serve all freely without any discrimination. STCMI is a registered charity with IPC status and all donations are entitled to 2.5 times tax deduction.