healthcare establishments

Singapore is the region's premier destination for international healthcare services. More than 150,000 international patients seek quality medical healthcare services here each year.In 2004, Singapore doctors and dentists successfully completed a revolutionary two stage 'tooth-in-eye' surgical procedure to help a blind boy to see. This is believed to be the first operation of its kind in Southeast Asia.In 2003, Singapore became the first in the region to acquire the highly sophisticated Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scanners. More accurate and early detection of cancer cells that are often invisible to other diagnostic imaging devices can now be undertaken. This allows doctors to intervene earlier and plan a more effective course of treatment for patients suffering from cancer.In 2002, Singapore doctors performed Southeast Asia's first Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant. This procedure offers new hope for patients suffering from liver failure or cancer.The world's first successful cord blood transplant from an unrelated donor on a patient with a disorder which prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen (Thalassaemia Major), was performed in Singapore in 2001.In 2001, Singapore doctors successfully separated a pair of craniopagus conjoined (joined at the head) twins from Nepal in a milestone operation that lasted more than 90 hours.

Singapore made world headlines when a team of doctors and medical professionals successfully separated Nepalese twins, Ganga and Jamuna, who were joined at the head, in an unprecedented operation that lasted more than 90 hours in April 2001. This is one of many breakthroughs in healthcare that have placed Singapore on the world medical map.As a leading healthcare services hub in the region, more than 150,000 international patients come to Singapore each year for a whole range of medical care. Some come for health screening, others for eye, heart and brain surgeries. Yet others come for cancer treatment. Whether their needs are basic or complex, patients find assurance in a world-class healthcare system that emphasises safety and pushes the boundaries of excellence.Mr Nguyen Van Tron, a 55-year-old Vietnamese patient, came to Singapore on his American friend's recommendation that the hospitals here were among the best in Asia and the world. "I trust and have confidence in the medical treatment offered in Singapore," he said, "It has a good pool of experienced medical expertise and I received good care during my neurosurgery in Singapore."

Visitor information

Singapore's healthcare system is highly rated in terms of quality, efficiency and accessibility. Our public healthcare establishments, managed by the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), as well as the various private healthcare establishments, provide international patients with a full range of basic to specialist inpatient and outpatient healthcare services.The International Patient Service Centres set up by many healthcare establishments exclusively serve the needs of international patients. At these one-stop service centres, you can obtain information about the healthcare establishments and available treatments. Dedicated teams of trained staff are there to answer your queries, set up your medical appointments and referrals, assist you with admission, as well as arrange for medical transportation and interpretation services. You can also find out more about Singapore and obtain assistance with travel and visa arrangements, airport transfers and accommodation."The international patient service centre officer was helpful and efficient. After understanding my brother's condition, the officer promptly advised which specialist clinic we should go to, provided the cost estimates and helped fix an appointment. The one-point contact has made the process of seeking medical assistance in Singapore swift and easy."-- Ms Fanny Oei, who arranged a medical appointment for her brother from Indonesia.
As an international patient, you may request your selected International Patient Service Centre to facilitate all your necessary travel arrangements.Alternatively, you can make your own arrangements based on the quick guide provided in this section. Further information on Singapore is also freely available from the Singapore Tourism Board office located nearest to you.