Singapore's National Parks Board Establishes Veterinary Council for Professional Regulation

Establishment of a Veterinary Council for Regulation and Professional Standards

On October 13, 2023, Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State in National Development and Communications and Information, announced the establishment of a Veterinary Council within Singapore's National Parks Board NParks. This new council will be governed by legislation to ensure its functions are supported effectively.

The primary role of this Veterinary Council will encompass the registration of veterinary professionals, accreditation for trning programs, setting and reviewing sectoral standards, as well as handling investigations and disciplinary actions agnst violators. Once operational, it is anticipated that the council will supervise approximately 1,000 to 1,500 individuals involved in veterinary professions such as veterinarians vets and veterinary nurses or technicians, collectively known as veterinary paraprofessionals VPPs. This body will be composed of a bl of public and private sector members, akin to other local professional bodies. In preparation for its launch, NParks has looked into the structures of foreign veterinary boards like New South Wales' Veterinary Practitioners Board in Australia, and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK.

The establishment of this council regulate and support a growing veterinary sector in Singapore that has seen significant advancements over recent years. The pet population has increased alongside the expansion of services offered by veterinarians and VPPs, leading to a rise in licensed vets from 121 in 2006 to 542 as of May 2023. The variety of veterinary services such as specialized surgeries, chemotherapy, acupuncture, and novel therapies has expanded as well.

This growth necessitates the need for regulatory oversight to ensure standards are mntned while safeguarding animal health and welfare. The Veterinary Council will define professional practices more clearly and recognize VPP qualifications while implementing continuous learning requirements for this sector. Its role will complement that of Animal Veterinary Service AVS, a cluster within NParks, which focuses on regulating veterinary clinics, animal-related businesses, animal health and welfare surveillance, and being the primary responder to all animal-related feedback in Singapore.

To prepare for its establishment, NParks conducted extensive engagements with stakeholders including veterinarians, VPPs, and users of veterinary services. These interactions med to identify challenges faced by the sector and discuss strategies for enhancing professional standards. The insights gathered align with NParks' and the Singapore Veterinary Association's observations on refining veterinary activities, highlighting the importance of ongoing skills trning, and recognizing qualifications among VPPs in Singapore.

As the establishment process continues, NParks will continue engaging stakeholders to refine the Veterinary Council’s roles and responsibilities along with its implementation plans. Additional detls will be announced at a later stage.

Summary

In , the creation of this Veterinary Council underscores the government's commitment to professionalizing the veterinary sector by ensuring high standards are mntned for the benefit of animal welfare and public confidence in veterinary services across Singapore. By addressing the growing complexities within the industry through legislative support, this new body advance professional practices while fostering ongoing development among professionals and paraprofessionals alike.

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Last updated on: October 13, 2023
This article is reproduced from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2023/10/a-veterinary-council-will-be-established-to-regulate-standards-and-practices-of-veterinary-professionals

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