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Feedback / Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome your feedback. If you have questions or feedback on matters related to the registration and regulation of conduct of registered pharmacists in Singapore, you may wish to refer to the Frequently Asked Questions to see if your queries have already been addressed.

Otherwise, please email your enquiry to SPC@spb.gov.sg.

Pharmacy Registration

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Q1. How do I update my particulars?

A1. To update your personal particulars, please login to the Professional Registration System (PRS) and follow the steps below:
(i) Click on “Administration” tab;
(ii) Select “Update Particulars”.

Under Section 15(4) of the Pharmacists Registration Act 2007, registered pharmacists are required to inform the Registrar in writing of any change in name, practice address, residential address or such other particulars as may be prescribed, within 28 days of the change, failing which, a letter will be issued to the registered pharmacist. 

A composition fine of $500.00 will be issued for subsequent failure(s) in informing the Registrar of the Council of any change in your name, practice place or residential address, within 28 days of such change, pursuant to Section 15(4)(a) and 15(5) of the Pharmacists Registration Act 2007.

Q2. I am working at more than one practice place. How do I update my employment details and practice place?

A2. Please indicate the site that you are most frequently practising at, under “Employment Details” and “Principal Practice Place” when you submit an application for Update Particulars. You may indicate the additional practice place under “Secondary Place of Practice”.

Q3. I have just obtained a new NRIC number (Singapore Permanent Resident status) and am unable to login to PRS via Singpass. What should I do?

A3. Pharmacists who have obtained Singapore Permanent Resident status will need to update their NRIC details with SPC in order to be able to log in to the PRS with their Singpass. 


Please email a certified true copy of your blue NRIC (front and back) to SPC@spb.gov.sg for verification. A true copy must be certified by either the Human Resource Personnel of your current local employer or a Notary Public with an official stamp of the institution/hospital, the full name of the signatory and a professional designation.

Once SPC has received the certified document and checked that it is in order,, we will proceed to update your NRIC details in the PRS. After your record is updated, we will notify you and you can proceed to log in.


Q4. What is CGS? How do I request for a copy of the CGS?

A4. CGS refers to a Certificate of Good Standing. The CGS includes basic information on the pharmacist’s registration status with SPC and other information related to the pharmacist’s performance, such as disciplinary actions taken against the pharmacist by SPC. It is issued directly to the overseas regulatory body or Pharmacy Council via email.

To proceed with the application for CGS, please log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) and follow the steps below:
(i) Click on “Application” tab;
(ii) Select “CGS/COPS”.

There is a non-refundable fee of S$50 for the application payable via credit card. 

The average processing time of a straightforward application is 10 working days. SPC may take a longer time to review a complex application.

Q5. How do I register my postgraduate qualification?

A5. Pharmacists can apply to have their postgraduate qualifications entered in the SPC’s register as a displayable additional qualification by submitting an online application.

The online application must be supported by a copy of the qualification. Separately, the pharmacist must arrange for a Letter of Verification of the qualification to be issued by the conferring institution and emailed to the SPC directly at SPC@spb.gov.sg.

To submit an additional qualification application, please log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) and follow the steps below:
(i) Click on “Application” tab;
(ii) Select “Additional Qualifications”.

Q6. I lost my hardcopy Registration Certificate/ Practising Certificate. How do I replace it?

A6. If you have lost your hardcopy Registration Certificate (RC)/ Practising Certificate (PC), you may log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) to submit an application to replace your RC/PC. Once the application is approved, an electronic RC/PC will be issued to you.

For replacement of RC, select Application >> Reprint of RC / PC >> Request for “Replacement of Original Registration Certificate”.

For replacement of PC, select Application >> Reprint of RC / PC >> Request for “Replacement of Original Practising Certificate”.

SPC requires a copy of the statutory declaration made for the lost RC/PC as a supporting document. Please upload the statutory declaration in your application to expedite processing of the application. The application fee is S$80. 


Q7. I am an overseas-trained pharmacy graduate / pharmacist. What are the criteria for me to be registered as a pharmacist in Singapore?

A7. Overseas-trained pharmacy graduates / pharmacists who wish to seek registration as a pharmacist in Singapore must obtain a basic pharmacy qualification that is listed in the List of Registrable Overseas Qualifications. The entire pharmacy course must be conducted in the country where the main university confers the degree. In addition, the applicant must fulfil the SPC’s prevailing requirements, which include an offer of employment with an SPC-approved training institution. The applicant must also be registered as a pharmacist in the country of study and is currently holding a valid licence to practise in that country.

Please note that satisfaction of the general criteria for pharmacy registration does not guarantee approval. Every application for pharmacy registration will be considered by SPC based on its own merits and subjected to SPC’s prevailing requirements that may change from time to time.


Q8. If my pharmacy qualification is not in the List of Registrable Overseas Qualifications, is there any other option to apply for SPC registration?

A8.  There are no courses or exams to take that enable you to be eligible for registration as a pharmacist in Singapore.

Q9. How do I find an SPC-approved institution for employment?

A9. SPC-approved institutions generally refer to public hospitals, polyclinics and retail pharmacies. Please refer to the SPC’s website for the List of SPC-approved Training Institutions.

Q10. How do I submit an application for pre-registration training?

A10. If you have satisfied all the prevailing requirements for pre-registration training and obtained an offer of employment with an SPC-approved training institution, you may log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) at www.spc.gov.sg to submit your registration application online.

Please click on “Pre-Registration Application” and answer the requisite questions to allow the system to generate a temporary User ID and password for you to log in to PRS.

Details on the registration requirements, application process and supporting documents required for registration are found in the section “For Foreign-trained Pharmacy Graduates / Pharmacists”.

Q11. How soon can a pre-registration pharmacist apply for conditional registration?

A11. A pre-registration pharmacist may apply for conditional registration upon successful completion of pre-registration training which includes the following:

      i.        Completion of minimum pre-registration training period;
     ii.        Passing both the Competency Examination and Forensic Examination;
    iii.        Achieving the minimum competency standards stated in the SPC Competency Standards Framework; and
   iv.        All other requirements stated for pre-registration training.

You may refer to the following link on the eligibility and documentation requirements for conditional registration: For Foreign-trained Pharmacy Graduates / Pharmacists.


Q12. What is the maximum time given to seek a new employment for conditional registration?

A12. The maximum allowable time period between the completion of pre-registration training and the start of conditional registration is 1 year. After which, you will be required to restart your pre-registration training all over again.

Q13. What do I have to do if I wish to change employer during conditional registration?

A13. Please complete the Application for Disruption in Training / Withdrawal from Training form and email the completed form to SPC@spb.gov.sg.

After you have secured an employment at another SPC-approved training institution, you will need to log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) to submit the registration application to resume your conditional registration.

You may refer to the following link on the conditions for resuming conditional registration: Information for Pharmacists on Conditional Registration.

Q14. When can conditionally registered pharmacists apply for full registration?

A14. Conditionally registered pharmacists may apply for full registration after they have fulfilled the conditions and periods of supervised practice under the SPC’s Supervisory Framework which include meeting prevailing criteria of overall performance, professional conduct and professionalism and fitness to practise.

You may refer to the following link on the eligibility and documentation requirements for full registration: For Foreign-trained Pharmacy Graduates / Pharmacists.

Q15. I was previously registered with SPC. Can I apply for registration with SPC again?

A15. Please note that pharmacists whose names were ordered to be removed from the register by the Council cannot apply for re-registration.

Pharmacists whose names were removed from the register due to 5 years non-renewal of their Practising Certificates (PCs) may apply for restoration of their names to the SPC’s register, subject to the prevailing conditions and fees, followed by an application for a new PC.

You may refer to the following link for more details on restoration: Restoration to Register.

 

Supervisory Framework


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Q1. What are the criteria to be a supervisor under SPC’s supervisory framework?

A1. Pharmacists who wish to be a supervisor must meet the following criteria:
a. Registered pharmacist with the Singapore Pharmacy Council;
b. Holding a valid practising certificate;
c. Working in a SPC-approved training centre or elective training centre; and
d. Must have at least 3 years of working experience as a registered pharmacist.

The supervisor must work on a full-time basis in the same department or practice place as the supervisee and provide timely and direct supervision.

In cases where the pharmacist works in an approved secondary practice place, the SPC-approved primary supervisor is required to solicit feedback from the secondary supervisor(s) in completing the pharmacist’s periodic assessment reports.

The set of criteria to be a supervisor can found in the section “SPC Accredited Pharmacy Preceptor Training Programme”.

Q2. Can part-time fully-registered pharmacists be appointed as SPC’s supervisor?

A2. All pharmacists under Conditional Registration will be subjected to monitoring under the SPC’s Supervisory Framework. Thus, fully registered pharmacists who are working part-time cannot be SPC supervisors as a supervisor must work on a full-time basis at the same department as the supervisee in order to provide timely and direct supervision.

Practising Certificates (PC)


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Q1. Do I need a PC to practise in Singapore? How do I apply for it?

A1. Pharmacists who are registered with SPC will need a valid PC in order to practise Pharmacy in Singapore.

You will need to apply for a PC by submitting an online application through the SPC Professional Registration System (PRS).

Even if your employer is paying the PC application fee on your behalf or you are under the GIRO scheme, you will still need to submit an application on PRS for the renewal of PC.

Q2. My PC is expiring soon. Will it be renewed automatically?

A2. The renewal process is not automatic. You will need to log in to the SPC PRS before  your PC expires to apply for a renewal. Pharmacists who fail  to renew their PC one month before their PC expiry date, will have to pay a late application fee of S$100 (on the expiry date) or $200 (after the expiry date).

Q3. I cannot renew my PC online and received the following message: 
“Note: Your register must meet all renewal criteria below.” Why?

A3. In order to renew your PC, you are required to fulfil the CPE requirements and have no outstanding fines.

CPE requirements:

Application Type

CPE Requirements

PC renewal for Pharmacists holding a 2-year PC

50 CPE points, of which at least 30% or 15 points shall be patient care points or in their registered specialty

For more information on CME requirements, please click here.


Q4. How do I make payment for my PC renewal application?

A4. Payment will be made online via credit card/ debit card during the application process on PRS.

The payment process is not instantaneous. Please allow at least three working days for the processing of payment.

Q5. I have successfully submitted my PC renewal application but was not prompted for payment. Why?

A5. You may be under GIRO or Employer-Paying-On-Behalf (EPOB) scheme.

For GIRO-users, payment will be made at a later time on a fixed date. Pharmacists with an existing GIRO arrangement with the SPC will not be asked to make payment during the application stage. To verify if you are on GIRO, please check with your bank.

For pharmacists on EPOB scheme, payment will be made by your employer. To verify if you are under EPOB scheme, please check with your Pharmacy Manager / HR department.

Q6. My PC application has been approved. How do I view and download  my e-PC?

A6. You will be able to view and download the e-PC  that is  current and valid. Once the e-PC is no longer valid, e.g. validity of e-PC has expired, you will no longer be able to view/download it.

To view and download your valid e-PC , please follow the steps below:

(a)  Log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS) here
(b) At the left menu, click on “Administration” followed by “View Certificates”
(c) Click on the hyperlink under “PC Period”

(d) The e-PC would then display in a pop-up window:
• For most mobile device users, the e-PC should download and display automatically;
• For laptop/computer users, please follow the instructions on your Internet browser to view and download a copy of the e-PC.


Q7. I have made payment for my PC renewal. How can I obtain a receipt? (Applicable to pharmacists who paid for their own PC fee)

A7. To print your receipt, log in to the PRS and follow the steps below:
(i) Click on “Application”,
(ii) Select “Enquire Applications”,
(iii) Search for your PC application number, and 
(iv) Print receipt under the “Remarks” column.

Q8. My PC has lapsed. How do I apply for a new PC?

A8. You may apply for a new PC if you have met the CPE requirements and do not have any outstanding fines.

Upon meeting the prevailing requirements, you may wish to apply for a new PC. Please prepare the documents before you submit an application.

(i) Log in to the SPC PRS here  to submit an application.

(ii) If you are working or have worked overseas, a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) issued by the respective Pharmacy Council(s) where you practise or have been practising prior to your application will be necessary. Please note that the original CGS must not exceed 3 months from its date of issue when presented with your application. It must also be sent to the SPC directly by the overseas councils / licensing authorities. Please note that CGS submitted by the applicant will not be accepted by the SPC; and

(iii) If you are not in practice, please submit a letter of declaration to declare that you have not been in practice since the expiry date of your PC.

Subject to complete submission of all documentation and fee required, the average processing time of an application for PC is about 3 weeks. Longer processing time may be required when the case is more complex or when the SPC is experiencing a peak period.

Q9. I wish to cease practice. Should I renew my PC? Will I still be registered with SPC if I do not renew my PC?

A9. There are three options available if you wish to cease practice:

1. Maintain your active PC.
       a. Continue to achieve the required CPE points
       b. Renew your PC every 2 years

2. Apply for inactive status:
       a. Apply for inactive status – Working in non-pharmacy area
               - Applicable only if you are not using the knowledge of pharmacy in your work
               - You will have an inactive PC and will need to inform SPC if you intend to start practising pharmacy again
               - To resume active PC, you will need to fulfil 25 CPE points (8 patient care points) within 12 months prior to the resume date.
               - No fee is needed for the conversion 
               - Renewal is still needed every 2 years at the same rate (S$500) as active PC
               - CPE requirement will be lowered to 20 points

       b. Apply for inactive status – Overseas
               - Applicable only if you have resided overseas for at least 1 year (i.e. if you started your overseas residency in Sep 2021, you can only apply from Sep 2022)
               - You will have an inactive PC and will need to inform the SPC if you intend to return to Singapore
               - To resume active PC, you will need to fulfil 25 CPE points (8 patient care points) within 12 months prior to the resume date
               - No fee is needed for the conversion 
               - Renewal is still needed every 2 years at the same rate (S$500) as active PC
               - CPE requirement will be lowered to 20 points

       c. Apply for inactive status – Not working
               - Applicable only if you not under any employment (i.e. you cannot apply for this if you are a director of a company, or own a company)
               - You will have an inactive PC and will need to inform SPC if you intend to start working again
               - Renewal fee is reduced to $200
               - To resume active PC, you will need to fulfil 25 CPE points (8 patient care points) within 12 months prior to the resume date
               - Fees is needed for resuming active practice
               - CPE requirement will be lowered to 20 points

3. Let your PC expire (If you do not plan to work as a pharmacist in Singapore)
        a) Your PC will expire after your PC end date
        b) Late payment of $200 is required for PC renewal
        c) PC renewal fee applies
        d) Within the first year of expiry, you will need to fulfil your CPE shortfall for the preceding Qualifying Period (QP) before you may apply for renewal
        e) After the first year of expiry, you will need to fulfil 25 CPE points (8 patient care points) within 12 months prior to the resume date

However, do take note that if you do not renew your PC within 5 years of expiry, your name will be removed from the Register of Pharmacists. To restore your name back on the Register of Pharmacists, you will have to fulfil the following:
         - Sit and pass the Competency Exam (Exam fees: S$300)
         - Sit and pass the Forensic Exam (Exam Fees: S$300)
         - Fulfil minimum 25 CPE points within 12 months prior to renewal date, 8 points must be patient care if you wish to have an active PC
         - Restoration fee of $300 applies
         - PC renewal fee applies


Continuing Professional/Pharmacy Education – For Pharmacists

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Q1. How do I view my CPE report?

A1. Log in to the PRS using your Singpass ID and password. After log in:

 (i) Select ‘CPE’,
(ii) Select ‘Monitoring of CPE’ to check the number of CPE points accumulated, and
(iii) Select ‘Detailed Report for Current QP’

The CPE report for the current qualifying period will be shown.


Q2. How do I submit CPE claims?

A2. Please refer to the online PRS guide for CPE claims submission.

Q3. Why are my CPE points not reflected?

A3. In general, straightforward CPE applications and claims may take between 1 to 4 weeks for processing.

Reasons for a delay could be:
(i) Additional information required for our review
(ii) Activities you have attended may not be in SPC’s accredited list
(iii) Applications or claims may have been rejected due to:
       - Events are of non-pharmacy related nature 
       - Events organised by pharmaceutical, non-healthcare related companies are skewed towards commercial purposes
       - Speakers and primarily audience targeted are not pharmacists

Q4. What are the different categories of CPE activities?

A4. The list of categories of CPE activities can be accessed here. 

Q5. How may I attach documents when the application is routed to me for attachment of supporting documents?

A5.
You may carry out the following steps:

(i)     Please log in and click on “Enquire CPE Claims” to find the application.
(ii)    Then click on the word “here” under “Remarks” to attach the supporting document. Please include your documents in “PDF” or “JPG” format and ensure that the file size does not exceed 1MB.


Q6. Why have I not received the outcome of the claims?

A6. Please ensure that you have provided the correct email address in the PRS. The outcome of the claims will be sent to you via email.


Continuing Professional/Pharmacy Education – For CPE Event Providers

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Q1. How do I apply for accreditation as a CPE Event Provider?

A1. For application of accreditation as CPE Providers, please do the following:

1)     Complete the CPE Provider Accreditation Application Form [PDF, 33KB],
2)     Prepare a cover letter addressed to 'Chairperson, CPE Accreditation Committee',
3)     Prepare a list of recent and/or upcoming CPE events, and
4)     Submit the above online through Professional Registration System (PRS).
5)     Please also note that the applicant must be a locally registered company with a Corpass account. Please visit the www.corpass.gov.sg for more details.

 

Q2. I am a non-accredited CPE Event Provider. How do I apply for the accreditation of my events?

A2. For application of accreditation of events by non-accredited organisations. Please email to SPC@spb.gov.sg for assistance.

Q3. How to submit attendance or add attendance records after submission of attendance?

A3. Please carry out the following steps:


Step 1: Log in to your provider account:
(i) Select “Manage Events”
(ii) Key in your event application ID
(iii) Click on “Search” 

Your event application will appear under “Search Result”. Click on your event ID to access the application.

Step 2: Submit the attendance record. 

For Cat1B event (Event ID: SPC2012XXXX-1B-XXXX):
Click on “Pending Submission” (as shown below)

 
Session Details

Session Attendance page will be displayed as follows:

Session Attendance

Enter the attendance manually:
• Enter Registration No. of professional attending event
• Select role of professional

Should the need arise to add more attendance rows:
• Enter the number of rows to be added in “Add More Rows”
• Click [Add] link to add the attendance rows

Mass upload of attendance function is available to facilitate the uploading of attendance list. A certain format of attendance template must be used for successful uploading. To view the excel sheet template of attendance, click the [here] link, under “Upload Attendance File”.

Click on the “Submit” button once completed. 

If you have performed the above step and submitted the attendance records but wish to include more records, you may still do so.

Click on “Add More Rows” and change the number according to the number of additional records. Proceed to include the additional names and click on “Submit” to complete the update.

Q4. How do I amend sessions due to change of dates?

A4. To change the date, say from 09/02/2017 to 16/02/2017, please follow the steps below:

1.
Event Start and end dates

2.
Session Date

3.
change new event date

Pharmacists on Inactive Status

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Q1. What is Inactive Status? 

A1. Pharmacists who are not working, working in non-pharmacy sector or residing overseas for at least one year can apply for inactive status. 

There are 3 type of inactive status:
     1) Inactive status – Working in non-pharmacy area
         Applicable only if you are not using the knowledge of pharmacy in your work.
     2) Inactive status – Overseas
         Applicable only if you have resided overseas for at least 1 year. (i.e. if you started your overseas residency in Sep 2021, you can only apply from Sep 2022 onwards)
     3) Inactive status – Not working
         Applicable only if you not under any employment (i.e. you cannot apply for this if you are a director of a company, or own a company)

More details on inactive status can be found in the section “Inactive Status Declaration”.

Steps to apply for inactive status:
(i) Log in to the Professional Registration System (PRS). 
(ii) Select “Request for Lowering of CPE”
(iii) Indicate the “End Date”
Please note that even if you have indicated an end date in the “Lowering of CPE requirements” application, you will still be required to fulfil the resume active CPE requirements and submit an “Resume active” application to be able to resume active practice. If you are unable to fulfil the requirements, your inactive status will be extended beyond the indicated end date.
(iv) Submit the “Inactive Status Declaration Form”
Pharmacists are required to declare themselves as not working, working in non-pharmacy sector or residing overseas for at least one year by submitting the Inactive Status Declaration Form.
(v) Update of Personal Particulars
Pharmacists are required to update their employment status under “Administration” tab accordingly. 

Once approved, pharmacists with inactive status will have their compulsory CPE requirements lowered to 20 points per QP.

Pharmacists on lower CPE requirements who wish to resume practice must inform the SPC, fulfil the CPE criteria published on the SPC website and apply for conversion from inactive PC to active PC (prevailing PC application fee applies) at least 2 weeks before the resume date.


Revision to the List of Overseas Pharmacy Schools for Registration to Practise in Singapore

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Q1. Can you provide me the most up-to-date list of overseas pharmacy schools?

A1. The SPC had revised the list of overseas pharmacy schools for registration to practise in Singapore effective from 1 Aug 2020.


The SPC will only consider granting registration to foreign pharmacy graduates whose basic pharmacy qualifications are listed in the List of Registrable Overseas Qualifications (effective from 1 Aug 2020). 

Students who wish to pursue pharmacy studies in a pharmacy school listed in the SPC’s revised list should note the primary qualifications column in the same list. If students enrol into a pharmacy school in our list but are not conferred the corresponding pharmacy qualification shown in our list, they are not eligible to be considered for registration as a pharmacist in Singapore. 

Applicants may visit the SPC’s website at www.spc.gov.sg for updates on pharmacy registration.


Q2. Can you include the pharmacy school that I graduated from in the list?

A2. The SPC reviews the List of Registrable Overseas Qualifications from time to time. As the SPC has completed its round of review in July 2019, it has no plans to expand the list in the near future. 

Q3. I am currently studying in one of the affected schools. Will I be affected as well?

A3. Singapore Citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and foreign students who have already secured a place as a candidate, or who have enrolled and are studying in the affected schools before 1 Aug 2020, from an overseas school offering a qualification that is no longer on the list, will not be affected by the change. They will continue to be considered for conditional registration with the SPC if they fulfil the other prevailing requirements, such as being registered as a pharmacist in the country of study and currently holding a valid license to practise in that country. For more information, you may refer to our press release here.

Q4. I am a foreigner currently studying in a pharmacy school that will not be in the list from 1 Aug 2020. I am expected to graduate in 2020, will I be able to register with the SPC to practise in Singapore?

A4. The SPC will only consider granting registration to  foreign pharmacy graduates whose basic pharmacy qualifications are listed in the List of Registrable Overseas Qualifications (effective from 1 Aug 2020).

Foreign students who have already secured a place as a candidate, or who have enrolled and are studying in the affected schools before 1 Aug 2020, from an overseas school offering a qualification that is no longer on the list, will not be affected by the change. They will continue to be considered for conditional registration with the SPC if they fulfil the other prevailing requirements, such as being registered as a pharmacist in the country of study and currently holding a valid license to practise in that country.

Q5. I was offered a pharmacy programme where the first half of the programme will be conducted at my local university (non-recognised) and the second half at a partnering university (recognised) for the remaining years. Will I be able to obtain pharmacist registration with the SPC?

A5. The SPC do not recognise twinning programmes. Applicants must undergo the entire duration of their pharmacy course and final examination in a pharmacy school listed in the List of Registrable Basic Pharmacy Qualifications before they can be considered for registration as a pharmacist in Singapore. 


SPC Pledge Affirmation Ceremony

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Q1. When is the next pledge ceremony?

A1. The SPC Pharmacist’s Pledge Affirmation Ceremony is an annual event held usually in May or June of the year. 

Q2.I would like to register myself for the next pledge ceremony.

A2. The Pledge Ceremony is by invitation only. 

Pharmacists who have successfully completed their pre-registration pharmacist training and are registered as pharmacists on Full Registration or Conditional Registration will be invited to attend the Pledge Affirmation Ceremony to affirm their pledge. 

Complaints against Pharmacists

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Q1. Can SPC help me to assess whether there are grounds for me to lodge a complaint?

A1. The SPC does not assess whether there are grounds for individuals to lodge a complaint. Generally, the SPC will look into any written complaint that falls within the ambit of section 39(1) of the Pharmacist Registration Act (“PRA”). 

The types of issues concerning pharmacists that SPC will handle include:
1) Professional misconduct;
2) Performance impaired by ill health; and
3) Cases where the pharmacist was convicted in court. 

The complaint must be supported by a Statutory Declaration (“SD”) and contains information about the pharmacist that you would like SPC to look into.

Q2. How do I lodge a complaint against a pharmacist?

A2. The SPC operates under the remit of the PRA in regulating the conduct of registered pharmacists in Singapore. 

Under the PRA, if you wish to lodge a complaint against a pharmacist, you must submit a written complaint accompanied by an SD affirmed before a Commissioner for Oaths. 

Your complaint should be type-written in English and should include the full name of the pharmacist(s), the full facts of the case and your allegations against the pharmacist(s). Please refer to the details required when preparing your type-written complaint here.

Q3. I am a foreigner and will be returning to my country shortly, how do I lodge a complaint against a pharmacist whom I consulted while I was in Singapore?  

A3. Under the PRA, if you wish to lodge a complaint against a pharmacist, you must submit a written complaint accompanied by an SD which must be affirmed before a Commissioner for Oaths. 

Your complaint should be type-written in English and should include the full name of the pharmacist(s), the full facts of the case and your allegations against the pharmacist(s). Please refer to the details required when preparing your type-written complaint here.

If you are unable to lodge your complaint while in Singapore, the SD can be made before a notary public or justice of peace, or with other person having authority under any law for the time being in force in that country to take or receive a declaration. 

Once the SD has been duly affirmed / sworn, you can submit the SD and your letter of complaint to: 

 

What to submit

Where to submit to:

By email

The completed and signed SD form (pages 1 and 2), complaint letter; and supporting documents consolidated in one PDF file (in colour)

spc@spb.gov.sg

 

Attention: Professional Conduct and Professional Standard Division/ Singapore Pharmacy Council


Q4. Can SPC advise me on whether the treatment I received from the pharmacist(s) is appropriate?

A4. The SPC does not advise on the medication therapy management provided by a pharmacist. If you have doubts about the treatment received from a pharmacist, you may wish to seek clarification from the pharmacist / healthcare institution(s) or seek a second opinion before deciding on your next course of action.


Q5. Can I submit a complaint against the community pharmacy and pharmacy in hospital?

A5. The SPC can only consider complaints against pharmacists and is not empowered by law to look into complaints against any healthcare institution(s).

Community pharmacies and retail pharmacies in healthcare institutions are regulated under the Health Products (Licensing of Retail Pharmacies) Regulation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and hospital pharmacies are regulated under the Private Hospitals and Pharmacy Clinics Act by the Ministry of Health (MOH). You may wish to contact and address your feedback/complaints to HSA or MOH where appropriate.

Q6. Can I submit a complaint without the full name of the pharmacist?

A6. No, to facilitate the processing and investigation of the complaint, a complaint to the SPC against a pharmacist must state the full name of the pharmacist. 

Q7. I do not have the name/full name of the pharmacist(s). Can SPC help me to obtain the name(s)?

A7. The SPC cannot obtain the name of the pharmacist(s) for you and/or assist you to get such information to draft your complaint. Where necessary, you should contact the relevant healthcare institution(s) to find out the name of the pharmacist(s). You may search for the full name of the pharmacist(s) in the SPC register via the link here.

Q8. Will the pharmacist be able to see my complaint?

A8. As part of a fair and impartial investigation, it is usually necessary for the pharmacist to be called upon to answer any allegation(s) made against him/her. As such, your complaint, including your identity and the details of your allegation(s), must, by law, be furnished to the pharmacist.

Q9. Is there a deadline for me to submit the complaint?

A9. In general, a complaint should be lodged within six years of the incident for the complaint to be investigated effectively, as the relevant evidence such as medication records and witness testimonies may become unavailable or difficult to secure with the passage of time.

Q10. Is SPC the right platform for me to obtain compensation from a pharmacist?

A10. No, the SPC is not the platform to get compensation. Under the PRA, even if your complaint is found to be valid, the disciplinary framework only allows for the imposition of disciplinary sanctions against pharmacists and cannot make an order of monetary compensation from the pharmacist. If you intend to seek monetary compensation from the pharmacist, you should seek your own independent legal advice.


Q11. My pharmacist/clinic/hospital has charged me an amount for the prescription drugs. Can I ask if this amount is correct? Can they charge me this amount?

A11. The SPC does not issue guidelines on prescription drug fees and charges and is not able to comment on the appropriateness of the fees charged by the pharmacist/clinic/hospital.

As hospital pharmacies and medical clinics are regulated under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act by the Ministry of Health (MOH), you may wish to provide your feedback to MOH.

You may also contact Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for feedback on charges


Q12. How long will the Complaints Committee take to look into my complaint? 

A12. Given the serious nature of many complaints, investigations by the Complaints Committee (“CC”) will typically take at least 9 months. For even more complex complaints, investigations may take more than a year.


General Enquiries

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Q1. I need to find a registered pharmacist. How can I do so?

A1. You can search and view the register online via “Search for registered Pharmacists” at SPC’s website. Registered pharmacists are listed online as long as they have a valid practising certificate.

Q2. I have encountered an error message while accessing the SPC’s Professional Registration System (PRS). What should I do?

A2. You may also wish to consider clearing your cache/cookies from your browser. 

If the problem persists, please provide the following information in an email to help us look into your issue expeditiously:

(i) Your purpose of accessing the PRS (e.g. to update CPE points, application for registration, etc.);
(ii) Your browser type and device (i.e. desktop or laptop);
(iii) URL of the login page;
(iv) The screenshot of the pages before and after you encounter the error message; and
(v) The timestamp of when the error has occurred.

Q3. How do I login to SPC’s Professional Registration System?

A3. For Singpass users e.g. NRIC/FIN holders, please log in via Singpass and 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) using SMS or Singpass Mobile.

For non-Singpass users e.g. Passport holders, please log in via User ID, password and 2FA (using Google Authenticator [GA]).

For HR personnel or CPE providers, you will need both a Singpass user account and an existing SPC account in order to access the PRS.

Please request your Corppass Admin to create a user account for you and assign the following e-Service access:
• Government Agency: Ministry of Health (MOH)
• e-Service: Professional Registration System (PRS)

Please note that since 11 April 2021, corporate users who are logging in to government digital services for businesses (G2B) are required to use Singpass. Find out more: https://go.gov.sg/corporate-login

Q4. I am no longer employed by a healthcare institution. Hence, I no longer hold a FIN-number. How can I continue to login to SPC PRS?

A4. As you are no longer a FIN-holder, you will need to email us a certified true copy of your current passport for updating. The certified true copy must be certified by a Notary Public with an official stamp, the full name of the signatory and a professional designation. 

After the update is completed, we will inform you to reset your password and you can temporarily log in to your SPC account as a non-Singpass User (without 2FA).

Upon your first login as a non-Singpass User, you will be prompted to download Google Authenticator as the 2FA. 

From 1 April 2021, it is mandatory for non-Singpass users to use the Google Authenticator (GA) as the 2FA in order to protect your login to the PRS. Existing users of OneKey token will need to switch to GA.

Please refer to the guide here to set up 2FA on GA.

Q5. What is “Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards”?

A5. With effect from 1 Jan 2020, the Singapore Pharmacy Council (SPC) is supported by the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards (SPB) for its secretariat and operational functions. The registration and regulation of pharmacists continue to be governed by SPC, which retains autonomy and independence over professional and statutory matters, as provided for under the Pharmacist Registration Act (Chapter 230).