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National University Hospital 
International Patient Liaison Centre

 

 

One stop assistance for our patients and visitors

We understand that being ill, and having to leave the comfort of home to seek help abroad, is a doubly daunting experience. With our proficiency in serving our foreign guests, we know how to ensure they feel welcomed and at home.


Home > Patients & Visitors > Singapore



SINGAPORE - Vibrance in the City


Many people marvel at the beauty of Singapore and her progressiveness. Most impressive to note is that she was formerly just a humble fishing village, inhabited by an indigenous settlement.


Fast forward to today. Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city populated with high-rise buildings and landscape gardens. Brimming with a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is a dynamic city that's rich in contrast and colour. In fact, you can even say that Singapore embodies the finest of both East and West.


Strategic Location             

Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, making her one of the smallest countries in the world and the smallest in the region - hence the moniker "The Little Red Dot". Although small in size, Singapore commands an enormous presence in the world today with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Also, her strategic location in the region has enabled her to become a central sea port along major shipping routes. 


Political Stability

Other than having a sound business infrastructure and favourable economic climate, another factor for Singapore's rapid growth is due to a stable and competent ruling government. Singapore is a parliamentary republic with a political system that's centred on democracy. The current ruling party in government is The People's Action Party (PAP), which has dominated the political process since self-government in 1959.


Collage of Cultures 

At present, Singapore's population stands at about five million people, with English as the main language of instruction, and a mother tongue for each major ethnicity. One of the distinctly Singaporean things you'll notice on our island is a ubiquitous collage of cultures. Coming together as a society and living in harmony, there are four major races - namely the Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Each community offers a different perspective of life in Singapore in terms of culture, religion, food and language.

Array of Attractions

Being a multi-racial society, Singapore is as diverse as it is cohesive. With so much to see and do, this is perhaps best experienced through your encounters with the locals. And if you're feeling nostalgic and looking to discover old world charm, you can explore and experience the island's key historical landmarks or memorials. You can also embark on a heritage trail and enjoy the sights and sounds at various cultural precincts, notably Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.


If you prefer the bright city lights and being amidst the hustle and bustle, then you'll be delighted to know that there are numerous shopping malls, museums, and dining and entertainment hotspots to choose from. Get into the thick of the shopping action at the iconic Orchard Road stretch, or party the night away at the Clarke Quay or Boat Quay areas, both of which offer a myriad selection of nightlife activities. 


Multifarious Offering of Food

The other thing that will strike you most about Singapore is its multifarious offering of food - day or night, there will always be something to whet your appetite. With a range of dining options from Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay, fusion and more, you'll be spoilt for choice.


YourSingapore

Beyond the history, culture, people, shopping and food, there are many more facets to Singapore's thriving cityscape for you to discover. And these can only be experienced as you immerse yourself in the exploration of this once fishing village turned cosmopolitan city

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LEADING MEDICAL HUB IN ASIA

 

In addition to a seamless and timely experience with state-of-the-art medicine and treatment rendered by highly-skilled professionals, patients can also have access to novel treatment options availed by progressive clinical research taking place in Singapore.


With Singapore fast-gaining ground as the nucleus for top-notch biomedical research, technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutics and healthcare services, many of the world's best known pharmaceutical, medical technology and biotechnology companies have set up their manufacturing and research bases here.


The influx of renowned specialists and biomedical scientists has enhanced Singapore's medical offerings and operational effectiveness. In addition, an extensive range of clinical services provided by inter-disciplinary teams working in an integrated network of healthcare institutions is available.


The combination of excellent healthcare infrastructure, availability of skilled medical professionals and latest medical technology has enabled Singapore to remain cutting-edge in its healthcare services delivery. These contribute to make Singapore the medical hub of Asia.


Years

Achievements

2000

World Health Organisation ranked Singapore 6th out of 191 countries on overall health system performance.

2003

Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC) ranked Singapore's healthcare system as the third best in the world and the country best prepared to deal with a major medical crisis in Asia.

 2007

 IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked Singapore's Health Infrastructure 3rd out of 55 countries.

2008

Global Competitiveness Report ranked Singapore 2nd for Infant Mortality Rate and 12th for Life Expectancy at birth (81 years).


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Education and Training


Singapore's distinctive strength lies in its pool of well-trained and skilful medical professionals.

Ministry of Health, Singapore, only recognises medical degrees awarded by a select group of top-ranking universities such as the National University of Singapore (NUS), Oxford University Medical School, the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry of University of Dundee in the UK, Duke University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Mayo Medical School in the US.


In addition, joint training programmes with top foreign universities are also being forged. An example is the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical Programme.

Foreign-trained doctors have to satisfy the Singapore Medical Council's stringent standards of their possession of the necessary medical knowledge, experience and skill before they are allowed to practice in Singapore.


Singapore's doctors and specialists also continuously upgrade their clinical skills and knowledge by attending the Ministry of Health's Continuing Medical Education Programme and other medical-related training. A structured post-graduate training programme to equip family physicians to better manage patients' healthcare needs using a holistic approach, is being put in place.


Since 1992, allied care professionals have undergone rigorous training at the Nanyang Polytechnic Health Science School in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography and Radiation Therapy. Nurses in Singapore are also encouraged to upgrade themselves to become Enrolled or Registered Nurses with educational training programmes such as the National University of Singapore's (NUS) Nursing Degree and the Advance Practice Nurse track.

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