Herbalists, Hakkas & health ministries : a history of the Chinese medical hall industry in Singapore, 1890s to present

Abstract

Chinese medical halls have been one of the few traditional industries that have survived from colonial times and into modern-day Singapore. A common sight around Housing Development Board (HDB) living estates and other areas across the country, the intricate history and culture surrounding them remain underappreciated and obscure, at least within English-language publications. Chinese medical halls as an industry have been marked by conflict with institutional medicine, but also innovation. Despite various legislative restrictions, cultural scepticism and ever-changing consumer tastes, the medical hall industry has generally been resilient and has adapted itself to the various changes that have occurred throughout Singapore’s history. This thesis attempts to uncover that obscure past by highlighting how the Chinese medical hall industry has evolved in response to various challenges, whether that be from institutions or within themselves, spanning a history from the late 19th century until current day.