Singapore's New-age Polyclinics

“Bigger, cleaner, and more spacious” – the words of a patient on our upgraded polyclinics. Read on to find out how our polyclinics have progressed over the years in enhancing patients’ experience while providing them with better and more well-rounded care!

Read the full article 'The New-Age Polyclinic'.

Singapore's New Tune

Singapore’s efforts to boost translational and clinical research capabilities were highlighted in a recent article in Science-Business eXchange. Recognising its potential in improving patient outcomes, Singapore recently announced a 12% increase in translational research funding over the next five years. The Industry Partnership Office - a one-stop shop for companies and academics looking for partnerships with various components of the life sciences network - has been set up for this purpose. Read the full article to find out about Singapore’s investment efforts in bringing industry partners, and government research entities and hospitals together in its quest to “do science for a purpose”.

Read the full article 'Singapore's New Tune'.

Medicine for Medals - Providing medical care at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games

As Singapore gears up to host the first ever Youth Olympic Games, the Medical Tribune casts a spotlight on our efforts to provide efficient, quality medical care for the young atheletes. Professor Tay Boon Keng, chief medical officer and co-chair of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Medical Service Committee, expressed confidence that our 2,600 strong medical team would deliver professional and effective medical care. A medical clinic situated within the Olympic Village at Nanyang Technological University would be well equipped to provide a comprehensive range of medical services. Basic first-aid and emergency care services will also be available at competition venues for the atheletes as well as spectators. Professor Tay said that the medical team’s professionalism at the Olympic Village and venues will give the atheletes a peace of mind to train hard and compete well.

Read the full article 'Medicine for Medals'.

Canadian medical student’s experience at SGH

Nigel Tan, a third year medical student at the University of Toronto, shared his experience during a two-week General Internal Medicine (GIM) elective at the Singapore General Hospital. Arriving at the start of the H1N1 crisis, Nigel saw first hand how our hospitals dealt with the crisis and put in place safety measures to safeguard our patients and medical staff. He shared that the elective was impressively organised and he was given the flexibility and opportunity to learn from the many experienced staff at the General Internal Medicine faculty at SGH.

Read the full article ‘Medical Education and Cultural Appreciation – An International Elective Experience in Singapore’.

Reflection on TTSH Clinical Fellowship Experience

by Dr Khalilah Bullock in Singapore Medical Association News (Volume 42, Issue 3, March 2010) 

Dr Khalilah Bullock, who was here for a clinical fellowship at TTSH, shared her account of the happenings at TTSH’s Emergency Department (ED). Being a doctor in her country Jamaica, she quickly realized that the system here works differently from her country. From being exposed to the concept of having integrated ambulance system, which is unheard of in Jamaica, to having simplified workflow in TTSH, Dr Bullock learnt to appreciate the various systems that are in place in Singapore.

In an interesting first hand account, Dr Bullock shared her experience of how our prefence for Singlish and  certain language idiosyncracies can pose a challenge when conversing with local patients.  Dr Bullock also witnessed how some patients often came to ED for various minor complaints. In one instance, she shared how NS men often seek treatments (in the hope of getting MCs) at ED for various complaints, which could be easily treated by their in-camp MOs. She was also rather amused by how our "kiasu" mentality translated to getting more from the healthcare system.

After finishing her fellowship with TTSH, Dr Bullock is eager to return back to her parent hospital and applied some of the practices she learnt to her own work environment.

This is a good read on how are could be viewed from other lenses. Click here to read the reflections from Dr Bullock’ on her fellowship stint at TTSH, one of our busiest hospitals. 

Universal healthcare in Australia may become unaffordable

The 3Ms adopted in Singapore is referenced as a potential solution to Australia's healthcare issues. The idea of health savings and the introduction of competition among healthcare providers were explored as ways the Australian system could be modified. Singapore's relatively low expenditure on healthcare does not seem to be at the expense of the quality of care as the latest WHO rankings rated us 6th best in the world.

Read the full article.

What we can learn from Singapore's health-care model

The Singapore healthcare approach is compared to that in US in this article, and applauded for its performance. The article explains how Singapore managed to achieve such performance by placing the emphasis on personal responsibility and prudence both on the individual and public levels.

Read the full article.

What Singapore can teach the White House

Singapore healthcare is recognized for its universal coverage and competitive prices. The article commended that one of the strength of Singapore healthcare is that “its designed to swim with the market and not against it” and that although Singapore spend 4% of GDP on healthcare, we score highly on life expectancy, infant mortality and other key international measures.

Read the full article.

Saving money with Singapore

Singapore healthcare model is being studied by others as a model for the reform of statutory health insurance system. The article explains how Singapore healthcare model, which places emphasis on individual responsibility, but also provide more individual freedom is attractive model for others to follow.

Read the full article. 

In Singapore, shopping for a hospital

Singapore healthcare is being recognized for its transparency in pricing, which provides consumers with more choices and encourages competition among the hospitals. The article also mentioned how national scheme Medisave and Medifund help provide a safety net for Singaporeans and the needy.



Read the full article.

World Health Organization Assesses the World's Health Systems

The World Health Organization has carried out the first ever analysis of the world's health systems. Using five performance indicators to measure health systems in 191 member states, it finds that France provides the best overall health care followed among major countries by Italy, Spain, Oman, Austria, Japan and Singapore in the 6th spot.

Read the full article.

The Singapore Model

Singapore healthcare model has over the years won many admirers especially among the Europeans and America for its cost-effective healthcare system. Singapore has provided safety nets such as 3Ms (Medisave, Medishield and Medifund), together with other subsidies in order to ensure that every Singaporean can afford healthcare while not straining too much on taxpayers’ money. 

Read the full article.

Instead of Universal Coverage, Reforms that will work

As America is currently undergoing a healthcare revamp, some critics pointed to Singapore healthcare model as an example that America can partial adopt. As current America's healthcare system relied heavily on government subsidies and fundings, they need to relook this and try to find ways to put health care consumer back in charge of their own healthcare decisions.

Read the full article.

Two Health Care Plans Republicans should support.

Singapore is often recognised for its healthcare model that place the decisions on the patients' hands but, at the same time, provide safety nets for those who cannot afford medical bills. Medisave, Medishield and Medifund formed the 3Ms framework, which provides Singaporeans the safety nets while at the same not overstraining the healthcare budget. To further protect our citzens, Eldershield is introduced to protect those elderly againist the medical bills. This model is often being set as an example for other countries to consider when reforming their own healthcare system.

Read the full article.

REACH Discussion Forum posting (22 Apr 2011) from a grateful son thanking the healthcare team in NUH for his mother's recent experience at NUH:

My 93-year-old mother was admitted to NUH on 1^st April (Friday) and all the tests were done and confirmed by Tuesday. She was diagnosed with stomach tumour. Professor So personally ascertained that my mum is fit for operation and reached a conclusion with our family members swiftly.

She was operated on Thursday and everything went smoothly. With the care of Jimmy So and the nurses and doctors of NUH Ward 43, my mum was discharged on 21 Apr 2011.

The whole process was professional and caring. Dr Tan called me often to update me on my mum progress. This is impressive. Keep it up.

Shortened version of a letter (4 Apr 2011) from a grateful son thanking the healthcare team in TTSH (names have been removed) for his mother's recent experience as a Class B2 patient at TTSH:

"My mum, aged 89 had a fall … and was rushed to (hospital). She was warded …and subsequently diagnosed with a … hip fracture….The following day, I met up with Dr M. … He was succinct in explaining to me my mum's medical condition. He thoroughly explained to me the various medical care approaches and the possible risks that could arise. He even forewarned me that there is a possibility that my mum may collapse and fall into a state of unconsciousness. We went through in detail the various treatment options. I choose a "passive approach", not wanting to traumatise

or hurt my mum further should she needs to be revived. All this while Dr M was cool, calm and very caring. … I had a shock when immediately after the discussion, my mum went into a state of unconsciousness. The doctors then rushed in to try their best to revive my mum ….

Moments later Dr. M told me to contact all my family members as my mum did not respond well to their life saving efforts …Throughout the night, with the oxygen mask and the medication … , and later a blood transfusion, my mum survived the ordeal. The next morning, they suspected that there is a blood clot near the lung. Soon my mum was seen by Dr. P and his team of dedicated doctors. During the next nine days, my mum steadily recovered. It is indeed a miracle to see her getting back her strength and life. She eventually could swallow liquid food. She even responded well to her physiotherapy sessions. I am indeed indebted to Consultant Dr P and his excellent team of doctors. Even on Sunday, he comes back to visit his patients. He listens, shares his wisdom and knowledge and is decisive. He stressed many a times, that the minute my mum is strong enough he will discharge her to recover at home. Follow-up Home Care is best for my mum, he recommended. Dr. P seems to have read my mum's mind well for she fears staying in hospital and for being left alone. Dr R, the Registrar, another dedicated and a professional doctor impressed me. Patiently and with a hand drawn diagram, he explained and updated me on my mum's medical condition. He thoroughly explained the medication needed for my mum and assured me that they will follow-up closely to monitor her.

I am also impressed with House Officer T. She is very dedicated, often skipping lunch just to tend to her patients. She has a soft caring approach too. She is very accommodative and responsive to patient's needs. As for the Nursing Care, I must single out Nurse Manager S and her dedicated team of nurses. My family of 15 brothers and sisters were very demanding. Nonetheless, the understanding and patience shown to my family members were very touching and much appreciated. This recent experience not only reinforced my belief and conviction in your doctors but also amplified the excellent health care that we in Singapore enjoy.”

Letter (18 Feb 2011) from a patient pleasantly surprised by the polyclinic transformation:

I am a member of the public who generally visits my GP or a company doctor. As the company doctor was closed for a company function, I visited the Marine Parade Polyclinic to seek treatment for a flu.

The service was fast, friendly and efficient. The time from registration to payment was less than half an hour. A far cry from the days when a visit to the polyclinic was a two-hour affair. The staff knew what to do, what to ask - balancing care with efficiency.

Kudos to the team at MOH and the polyclinic for this transformation. Well done!

Letter (8 Feb 2011) from a patient thanking Jurong Medical Centre for the pleasant experience:

Celebrated a good CNY2011 with help from Jurong Medical Centre

Just before Chinese New Year, I was hit by bad eye conjunctivitis, Herpes Zoster. I visited Clementi Polyclinic on Monday and was thankfully advised by the doctor to be referred to Jurong Medical Centre on New Year's eve. If not for this doctor, I would not have celebrated CNY as my eye would have deteriorated further.

At JMC, my whole experience from reception, registration, eye vision check to seeing specialist Dr Srinivasan Sanjay & Dr Tiakumzuk Sangtam were a pleasant one. They made me feel much better although I was inflicted with the eye condition.

The medical centre facilities was also 5-stars. It is equivalent or even better than private ones.

Once again, thank you for such health practitioners and facilities available to me an ordinary Singaporean