MOH Sets the Record Straight on Lianhua Qingwen and COVID‑19
MOH strongly refutes the claims made by People’s Power Party chief Goh Meng Seng that Singapore’s Government is hiding a study on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Lianhua Qingwen.
What Goh Actually Said
- Goh posted an hour‑long video on Facebook, insisting it’s “totally untrue” that there are no scientific studies on Lianhua Qingwen for mild COVID‑19.
- He alleged that MOH sponsored a study and asked why the results have never been released.
MOH’s Response
In a Facebook reply, MOH clarified:
- It did indeed offer TCM research grant funding, but the researcher withdrew her application because she couldn’t find an appropriate study site.
- Only a handful of small, randomised trials in China have been conducted on Lianhua Qingwen; they are too limited to prove it works against COVID‑19 in Singapore.
- In Singapore, Lianhua Qingwen is basically a flu‑symptom kit sold in capsules.
Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Weighs In
HSA warned that Lianhua Qingwen is not approved for COVID‑19 treatment and that social media claims about its protective benefits are false. HSA advises the public to use such herbal remedies only for common cold and flu symptoms—headache, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
Why This Matters
- MOH declared Goh’s allegation of governmental deceit as “serious and baseless” and reserved the right to take further action.
- The ministry urged everyone to consult a doctor for COVID‑19 guidance, avoid spreading misinformation, and rely on credible sources.
For those wondering, here’s a quick FAQ about Lianhua Qingwen.
