Modern Singapore is a multicultural country with less than a century's history. Yet, her progress throughout the pass few decades can be said to be astronomical. From housing, to infrastructure and healthcare , Singapore continues to push new frontiers with each passing year.
Singapore's healthcare system today is mainly under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. The government ensures affordability, largely through compulsory savings( from payroll deductions from employers and workers) and price controls.
There are 8 government hospitals distributed throughout singapore at present. These include Jurong General hospital ( Previously Alexandra Hospital), TanTock Seng Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Singapore General Hospital , Institute of Mental Health, KK Womens and Childrens Hospital, National University Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.
In addition, there are 18 polyclinics throughout the country for the purpose of primary healthcare. Private general practitioners also play the role of primary health care providers and together with the polyclinics , form the backbone of Singapore's primary healthcare system. Of course, there is also a wide spread of private healthcare services ranging from specialised to general practitioners some of who even offer simple aesthetic procedures.
Patients are free to choose the healthcare providers within the government or private healthcare delivery system and can walk in for a consultation at any private clinic or any government polyclinic. For emergency services, patients can go at any time to the 24-hour Accident & Emergency Departments located in the government hospitals. Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well qualified doctors and dentists, many trained oversea
In terms of affordability of healthcare, Singaporeans have a medical savings account termed as medisave. A certain percentage of medical expenses may be deducted from this medisave account. Means testing is also carried out for all Singaporeans admitted to the hospitals to determine the amount of subsidy for hospital bills they are eligible for.
With the increasing availability of internet , 1 potential area of further development for Singapore's healthcare would perhaps be for marketing of its products and services regionally or even internationally via internet. Though not singaporean in origin, i have found useful some online healthcare products and services and have compiled them at .
