Medical Tourism in Singapore
Being one of the most developed countries in the whole world, Singapore’s advanced healthcare system is the outcome of immense efforts and initiatives that the government implemented throughout the year. The World Health Organisation named Singapore’s healthcare system the finest in Asia in 2000.
Singapore is well-known for having extremely stringent laws and regulations, specifically in the field of good sanitation. Singapore’s healthcare system has improved as a result of the rigorous emphasis on order and efficiency, making it one of the best in the world. Singapore is a desirable choice for medical travelers seeking modern facilities, a clean and controlled atmosphere, and English-speaking medical experts due to its robust medical infrastructure.
As a result, Singapore has always been an excellent healthcare destination, attracting patients not only from Asia but from all over the world. Singapore’s investments in cutting-edge, modern medical technologies result in economic cost-efficiency when large numbers of patients are served, allowing medical tourists to pay less without sacrificing quality.
Every year, international patients travel to Singapore for Medical Tourism for a wide range of medical treatments, from basic health screening and wellness services to high-end specialist care and surgical procedures in fields such as cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, and oncology.
Why Medical Tourism Required?
Medical tourism can be beneficial for plenty of reasons. If you are asking why such tourism is necessary, consider the following factors.
- Instead of settling for whatever is available in your home nation, medical tourism allows you to examine numerous healthcare options and facilities around the world.
- It allows you to save a significant amount of money on medical facilities, medicine, and overall follow-up care.
- Medical tourism connects you with the best specialists for rare diseases and disorders.
- Waiting times for complex medical treatments are also shorter in other countries than in the majority of Western countries.
- With medical tourism, there is also more availability of alternative medications and treatments.
- It allows you to have a vacation while having medical procedures, which might improve your mental health.
Category of Medical Tourism: Inbound and Outbound Medical Tourism
Medical tourism categories are generally the same all around the world. Inbound Medical Tourism is the movement of people from a foreign country to their home country for medical treatment. This might seem weird, but some visitors prefer to return to their home country if they are living in a foreign country in order to obtain better and less expensive healthcare.
Outbound Medical Tourism, on the other hand, refers to the most common type of medical tourism. Individuals relocate from their home country to a foreign country for medical treatment. Finally, domestic tourism should be considered. It is a type of tourism in which people relocate from one state within their own country to another in search of better healthcare.
Why do People Consider Singapore for Medical Tourism?
The Economist Intelligence Unit placed Singapore second among 166 countries in terms of healthcare outcomes. Singapore was placed fourth in the world by the Bloomberg Global Health Index, which analyzed 163 countries.
Medical tourists from all over the world go to Singapore to receive treatment for a variety of diseases, including ones that are rare or expensive to treat at home. Singapore is increasingly becoming the preferred destination for top-notch medical care, with an increasing number of medical tourists visiting each year.
There are three valid reasons for choosing Singapore for Medical Tourism:
- High Healthcare Standards: Singapore is home to various private hospitals that provide world-class medical services. If you have health insurance, you will be well taken care of.
- Advanced, high-end diagnostic equipment: Singapore’s medical experts employ some of the most advanced technology available. This ensures that you will receive the finest possible care.
- Excellent Healthcare System and Structure: Singapore’s healthcare system is extremely efficient and well-organized. You can rest assured that you will receive excellent care.
Singapore’s Healthcare System
Singapore was named “the most efficient health system in the world” by Bloomberg News in 2014. With the exception of the privately owned Raffles and Parkway hospitals, the majority of hospitals and medical centers in Singapore are governmental or public facilities. All Singaporean hospitals provide top-rated healthcare services and facilities and are serviced by English-speaking and globally qualified medical practitioners and employees.
1.International Hospital Accreditation – Most hospitals and healthcare centers in Singapore cater to medical tourists, and almost all of them provide high-quality care. Singapore’s top hospitals are internationally accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), ISO, or OHSAS. There are currently 22 JCI-accredited hospitals and medical centers in Singapore.
2.Local Hospital Accreditation – The Singapore Health Promotion Board, the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC), the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation System (SINGLAS), and the Singaporean Ministry of Health all provide local accreditation for health facilities in Singapore. The Health Sciences Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Accreditation Council oversee the certification of medical devices and other health items.
3.Accreditation of Physicians – Best Doctors in Singapore have received training from world-renowned institutions. The Singapore Medical Council, Pharmacy Board, Singapore Dental Board, Singapore Nursing Board, and Laboratory Board govern medical practitioners’ standards and practices.
4.Best Medical Treatment Available in Singapore – Singaporean Hospitals and healthcare organizations provide medical tourists with a wide range of services and operations, including the following:
- Hip and knee replacements (orthopedic procedures).
- Urological conditions and liver disease (including kidney and liver transplants).
- Cardiac surgery (heart bypass surgery, valve replacement).
- Neurology and Neurosurgery are two medical specialties.
- Oncology and cancer.
- Dental Services (surgeries, dental implants)
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Eye / Ophthalmology (LASIK, Cataract procedures)
- Bariatric procedures
- Pediatrics
- Botox and microdermabrasion are two non-surgical rejuvenation procedures.
When it comes to healthcare, one of the first important considerations that comes to mind is cost. The Low Cost of Healthcare in Singapore is a big selling point. When compared to US healthcare institutions, you can save 50% to 80% on your expenses. Most heart surgeries can be performed at a substantially cheaper cost. As a result, if you are looking for cost-effective clinical treatment, Singapore may be a suitable medical tourism destination.’
What Are the Best Medical Tourism Destinations in Singapore?
If you are considering medical tourism in Singapore, you should be aware of the top sites, cities, and towns that provide medical services. Find out about it in the following list:
- Orchard Road: With a lively city vibe, this is one of the most popular places to stay in Singapore. While it is well known for its shopping, this area also has a large number of hospitals. This area is home to Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Camden Medical Centre, and Raffles Medical.
- Downtown Core: This is another well-known Singapore city that is convenient for medical tourists. It’s most famous for the stunning Singapore Skyline. St Andrew’s Mission Hospital, Woodlands Health Campus, Singapore General Hospital, Raffles Hospital, and more well-known hospitals may be found here.
- Sentosa Island: This beautiful island is dotted with magnificent beaches and resorts. It also provides access to healthcare services. From here, you may easily commute to Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and National University Hospital (NUH).
- China Town: This city is well-known for its historical value, which draws tourists year after year. It has more affordable accommodation than the other cities. Furthermore, it provides access to facilities such as Singapore General Hospital, St Andrew’s Mission Hospital, and others.
How to Choose the Best Hospital in Singapore?
Singapore has a large number of excellent hospitals for you to choose from. However, before making a decision, it is important to conduct study. More and more individuals are going to Singapore for Medical Treatment as medical tourism grows in popularity. With so many hospitals to choose from, deciding which is best for you can be challenging. Here are a few things to think about when Choosing a Best Hospital in Singapore:
- Credibility
- Care of high quality
- Treatment costs
- Location
Before making a decision, it is also a good idea to study reviews and compare hospital ratings. Once you’ve shortlisted a few hospitals, you may contact them to learn more about their treatments and the associated fees.
What are the Advantages of Medical Tourism in Singapore?
If you are still on the fence about traveling for Medical Tourism to Singapore, these advantages can help you make a well-informed choice.
- Affordable Pricing: Another advantage of Singapore healthcare institutions is their low pricing policy. Here, you can get high-quality healthcare without paying a fortune. This implies you can have health treatments and surgeries without worrying about exorbitant costs.
- Advanced Medical Facilities: Hospitals provide excellent facilities to ensure the health of their patients. In hospitals, emergency and accident services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is also a provision for a physician to be available at any time of day. To serve international patients, the hospital personnel is exceptionally polite and mostly speaks English.
As a result, Medical Tourism in Singapore might be beneficial for gaining access to high-quality medical treatment facilities. The hospital costs are significantly reduced when compared to Western standards. Furthermore, the quality of procedures and medical devices in Singapore is excellent, ensuring optimal care quality.
Research and Opportunities
Singapore has successfully established itself as a hub for all types of medical research and prospects. It has grown into a high-end MedTech manufacturing base. It has also contributed to the advancement of medical science by developing revolutionary medical devices such as implanted pacemakers, coat lenses, and other essential medical gadgets.
Singapore has a large number of medical science-focused centers. These organizations are dedicated to creating business models based on big data and patient-centered care. Singapore’s medical industry produces 60% of the world’s microarrays and roughly one-third of the thermal cyclers and mass spectrometers.
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