Building an Integrated and Future-ready Regulatory System for Healthcare

Moving of healthcare regulatory and enforcement functions to HSA

Last updated on 21 October 2026

Overview

Singapore's healthcare regulatory framework is regularly reviewed to ensure that it keeps pace with evolving healthcare delivery models, advances in medical technology, and changing population needs. This framework includes the regulation of healthcare services, products, information, biosafety, biomedical research and professionals.

Following the latest review, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will be moving the functions of its Health Regulation Group (HRG), and subsequently the Secretariat of healthcare Professional Boards (SPB), to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in two phases:

Phase 1 (Effective 1 November 2026)

MOH HRG’s manpower and functions will move to HSA, making HSA the agency responsible for administration, licensing, inspections, audits and enforcement functions related to:

Licensing and approval of healthcare services under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA)
Notifications and approvals under the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA)
Registration of facilities and facility certification bodies under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA)
Regulatory matters relating to cybersecurity, data security and the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) under the Health Information Act (HIA)
Health Sector Administrator’s role in the approval and regulation of Charities and Institutions of a Public Character

Stakeholder specific notes

Select the stakeholder group relevant to you for a clear, at-a-glance guide to what remains unchanged, any updated websites or contact points, and answers to frequently asked questions. These resources are designed to support a smooth and seamless transition.

Licensees under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA)

You can continue your operations. No major operational changes are anticipated, and existing regulatory requirements and processes remain in place. The key change is that the application portal and enquiry channels will move from the @moh.gov.sg domain to @hsa.gov.sg.

Regulatory standards and requirements you are currently subject to remain in force.

Your existing HCSA licences remain valid – no reapplication for a licence is required unless the licence is expiring or needs to be updated.

Licensing application and processes in the Healthcare Application and Licensing Portal (HALP) remain unchanged.
Access to regulatory information from the MOH website and related websites remain unchanged.
Domain name of application portal and enquiry channels will change to HSA (@hsa.gov.sg).

Website, application portal and enquiry channels

Website

hcsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab)(no change)

Application Portal

halp.hsa.gov.sg ↗

Enquiry channels

HSA_HCSA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg

HSA_HALP_helpdesk@hsa.gov.sg

Frequently asked questions

Will HCSA licences be granted by MOH or HSA?

MOH remains the licensing authority of HCSA, and licences will continue to be granted in the name of MOH. Powers are given to the HSA to enforce and operationalise the Act, including the administration and processing of HCSA licence applications.

Will there be any changes to the HCSA licensing and inspection requirements and/or processes?

There will be no change to existing HCSA licensing and inspection requirements and processes.

You may apply for renewals or new licences from 1 November 2026 at halp.hsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

Will there be changes to the IT system used to apply for licences (i.e., Healthcare Application and Licensing Portal (HALP)?

The HALP system will continue to be used for all HCSA licence applications and transactions. Nonetheless, please note that the system will be sited at HSA at halp.hsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

Will existing licensees have to reapply for any of their existing HCSA licences?

There will be no change to existing licences held by licensees. Existing licensees do not need to reapply any existing licences unless the licence is expiring or requires updating.

You may apply for renewals or new licences from 1 November 2026 at halp.hsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

Will existing licence applications that have not been completed be affected?

Existing licence applications that have been submitted and are still being processed as at 31 October 2026 will be handed over to HSA and continued to be processed. There is no need to resubmit the application, unless otherwise advised by HSA. You may also be required by HSA to provide additional information to complete the application.

Who do I contact for feedback, and appeals regarding my HCSA licence? MOH or HSA?

For HCSA related enquiries, write to us at HSA_HCSA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg.

For technical assistance on your applications in HALP, write to us at HSA_HALP_helpdesk@hsa.gov.sg.

Visit hcsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab) for information on HCSA requirements or guidance.

Research Institutions and Tissue Banks under the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA)

You can continue your research and tissue banking activities. No major operational changes are anticipated, and existing regulatory requirements and processes remain in place. The key change is that the website and enquiry channel will move from the @moh.gov.sg domain to @hsa.gov.sg.

Regulatory standards and requirements you are currently subject to remain in force.

Your existing notifications and approvals remain valid – no reapplication is required.
The Tissue and Research Application System (TIARAS) and related processes remain unchanged.
Access to regulatory information from the MOH website and related websites remain unchanged.
Domain name of website and enquiry channel will change to HSA (@hsa.gov.sg).

Website, application portal and enquiries

Website	hsa.gov.sg/human-biomedical-research (opens in new tab)
Application Portal	elis.moh.gov.sg/tiaras (opens in new tab) (no change)
Enquiry channel	HSA_HBR_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg

Frequently asked questions

Will approvals be granted by MOH or HSA?

HSA will take over the administration of the HBRA from MOH. Future approvals will be granted under HSA.

Will there be any changes to the HBRA notification and inspection requirements and processes?

There will be no change to existing HBRA notification and inspection requirements and processes.

Will there be changes to the IT system used for notification and/or applications for approval (i.e., Tissue and Research Application System (TIARAS)?

The TIARAS will continue to be used for all HBRA notifications and applications. TIARAS will continue to be sited at elis.moh.gov.sg/tiaras (opens in new tab) come 1 November 2026.

Will existing research institutions and/or tissue banks need to re-notify or re-apply for any of their existing approvals?

Existing research institutions and tissues banks need not re-notify or re-apply.

Will existing applications that have not been completed be affected?

Existing applications that have been submitted and are still being processed as at 31 October 2026 will be handed over to HSA and continued to be processed. It is not necessary to resubmit the application.

Who do I contact for HBRA related matters? MOH or HSA?

For HBRA related enquiries, write to us at HSA_HBR_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg.

Visit hsa.gov.sg/human-biomedical-research (opens in new tab) for information on HBRA requirements or guidance.

Facilities and Approved Certification Bodies under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA)

You can continue your biosafety operations. No major operational changes are anticipated, and existing regulatory requirements and processes remain in place. The key change is that the website, application portal and enquiry channel will move from the (@moh.gov.sg) domain to (@hsa.gov.sg).

Regulatory standards and requirements you are currently subject to remain in force.

Your existing approvals remain valid – no reapplication is required.

The Healthcare Application and Licensing Portal-Biosafety Module (HALP-BS) application platform and processes remain unchanged.

Access to regulatory information from MOH website and related websites remain unchanged.
Domain name of website, application portal and enquiry channels will change to HSA (@hsa.gov.sg).

Website, application portal and enquiries

Website

hsa.gov.sg/biological-agents-and-toxins

Application Portal

halp-bs.hsa.gov.sg

Enquiry channels

HSA_BATA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg

HSA_HALP_helpdesk@hsa.gov.sg

Frequently asked questions

Will approvals be granted by MOH or HSA?

HSA will take over the administration of the BATA from MOH. Future approvals will be granted under HSA.

Will there be any changes to the certification criteria, standards and certification frequencies for both certified and uncertified facilities under BATA?

There will be no change to the current requirements and processes.

Will there be any changes to the registration and reporting requirements for registered facilities, i.e Exempted Toxin facilities?

There will be no change to the current requirements and processes.

Will there be any changes to the registration and requirements for application to be an Approved Facility Certification Body (AFCB)?

There will be no change to the current requirements and processes.

Will there be changes to the IT system used for registration and/or applications for approval (i.e., Healthcare Application and Licensing Portal (HALP)?

The HALP system will continue to be used for all BATA notifications and applications. Nonetheless, please note that the system will be sited at HSA at https://halp-bs.hsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab) come 1 November 2026.

All import applications will continue to be submitted via Singapore Custom's TradeNet portal.

Will existing facilities have to re-register or re-apply for any of their existing approvals?

Existing facilities need not re-register or re-apply for any approvals unless the validity of registration is expiring.

You may re-register or re-apply from 1 November 2026 at halp-bs.hsa.gov.sg (opens in new tab)

Will existing applications that have not been completed be affected?

Existing applications that have been submitted and are still being processed as at 31 October 2026 will be handed over to HSA and continued to be processed. There is no need to resubmit the application, unless additional information is required by HSA to complete the application.

Who do I contact for BATA related matters? MOH or HSA?

For BATA related enquiries, write to us at HSA_BATA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg.

For technical assistance on your applications in HALP-BS, write to us at HSA_HALP_helpdesk@hsa.gov.sg.

Visit hsa.gov.sg/biological-toxins-and-agents (opens in new tab) for information on BATA requirements or guidance.

Regulated Entities under the Health Information Act (HIA)

You can prepare for the HIA. No major operational changes are anticipated, and the regulatory framework remains consistent. The key change is that the enquiry channel will move from the @moh.gov.sg domain to @hsa.gov.sg.

Regulatory standards and requirements that you will be subject to under the HIA would remain.
Access to regulatory information from MOH website and related websites remain unchanged.
Domain name of the enquiry channel will change to HSA (@hsa.gov.sg).

Website and enquiry channels

Website	healthinfo.gov.sg (opens in new tab) (no change)
Enquiry channel	HIA_enquiries@hsa.gov.sg

Frequently asked questions

Who do I contact for feedback, and enquiries regarding HIA? MOH or HSA?

For HIA related enquiries, write to us at HIA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg. HSA will work closely with MOH for enquiries that require MOH’s inputs and clarifications.

A dedicated HIA resource portal has been established for healthcare providers and the public at healthinfo.gov.sg (opens in new tab).

NEHR-specific information and onboarding resources are available at https://for.sg/connectnehr (opens in new tab).

Who will be responsible for HIA compliance and enforcement going forward — MOH or HSA?

MOH remains the authority for the HIA, and powers are given to the HSA to manage compliance and enforce the Act.

All regulatory standards and requirements that regulated entities will be subject to under the HIA remain, and there are no major operational changes anticipated. If you have any HIA-related queries, you may write to us at HIA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg.

Will my access to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system be affected during the transition?

Your access to NEHR will not be affected during the transition. You may continue to use NEHR as per normal.

For NEHR-specific information and onboarding resources, please visit https://for.sg/connectnehr (opens in new tab).

If you encounter any issues with your NEHR access, you may also write to Synapxe at nehr.feedback@synapxe.sg.

What happens if I receive a circular or correspondence from MOH regarding HIA matters? Should I redirect it to HSA?

There is no need to redirect correspondence. As MOH remains the authority for the HIA, official circulars and correspondence may be issued by either MOH or HSA. You should continue to act on any official communications you receive from either agency as per normal.

If you have any questions regarding a circular or correspondence you have received, you may write to us at HIA_Enquiries@hsa.gov.sg.

Health Sector Charities and Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs)

Health charities and Institutions of a Public Character can continue their important work. No major operational changes are anticipated, and existing requirements and processes remain in place. The key change is that the enquiry channel will move from the @moh.gov.sg domain to @hsa.gov.sg.

Regulatory standards and requirements you are currently subject to remain in force.

Your existing approvals remain valid – no reapplication is required.

The Charity portal and processes remain unchanged.

Access to regulatory information from MCCY website and related websites remain unchanged.
Domain name of the enquiry channel will change to HSA (@hsa.gov.sg).

Website, application portal and enquiries

Website	Charities.gov.sg (opens in new tab) (no change)
Application Portal	Charities.gov.sg (opens in new tab) (no change)
Enquiry channel	HSA_Health_Charities@hsa.gov.sg

Frequently asked questions

Will approvals be granted by MOH or HSA?

HSA will take over the role of Sector Administrator (SA) of health charities from MOH. Future approvals will be granted under HSA.

Will there be any changes to the approval requirements and processes following the transition to HSA?

There will be no change to the current requirements and processes.

Will there be changes to the IT system used for registration and/or applications for approval (i.e., Charity Portal)?

The Charity portal will continue to be used for all new applications and renewal of Institutions of Public Character (IPCs).

Will existing health charities have to reapply for any of their existing approvals?

Existing health charities need not reapply for any approvals.

Will existing applications that have not been completed be affected?

Existing applications that have been submitted and are still being processed as at 31 October 2026 will be handed over to HSA and continued to be processed. There will not be a need to resubmit the application, unless more information is required from the applicant to complete the application.

Who do I contact for matters related to health charities? MOH or HSA?

For health charities related enquiries, write to us at HSA_Health_Charities@hsa.gov.sg.

Health Product Registrants and Dealers under the Health Products Act (HPA)

Health product registrants and dealers can continue their operations. The transfer of MOH’s Health Regulation Group functions to HSA on 1 November 2026 will not affect HSA’s existing regulatory, licensing, inspection, audit or enforcement functions for health products. Current regulatory requirements, application platforms, submission processes and the licensing framework will remain unchanged.

Phase 2 (by end 2027)

SPB’s manpower and functions will move to HSA by end 2027. These functions include the review and development of policies, guidelines and processes that support the operations and mandate of the Professional Boards and Councils regulating the respective professions.

This move will bring together the regulation of healthcare services, products, information, biosafety, biomedical research, administrator of healthcare charities and the secretariat support functions of health professional regulation into an integrated regulatory function to better support the rapidly evolving cross-cutting regulatory issues in the healthcare landscape. Over time, HSA will strengthen the integration and coordination across the different regulatory frameworks and redesign its regulatory processes. This will enhance support for licensees and licensed professionals, and provide clearer guidance for the benefit of our stakeholders and the public.

What This Means for You

The key change is the agency responsible for these functions. There is no action required from stakeholders and licensees to reapply for existing licences, approvals or registrations. Existing submission channels, processing arrangements, and regulatory requirements will continue during the transition.

From November 2026, stakeholders and licensees will engage HSA for:

Licensing and approval of healthcare services under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA)
Notifications and approvals under the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA)
Registration of facilities and facility certification bodies under the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA)
Regulatory matters relating to cybersecurity, data security and the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) under the Health Information Act (HIA)
Health Sector Administrator’s role in the approval and regulation of Charities and Institutions of a Public Character
Registration of health products and licensing of health products dealers under the Health Products Act (HPA)

There will be no change for the regulatory work and processes relating to the registration and other regulatory matters relating to healthcare professionals which will continue to reside with SPB until further communicated by end 2027.

If you have feedback or wish to seek clarifications on the above, share with us via go.gov.sg/healthreg-feedback (opens in new tab).