Best Hospitals in Singapore

No matter where you go in Asia, Singapore is renowned for having some of the best medical care in the world. If you happen to get sick or become injured while you are in Singapore you can be sure that you will receive top-notch care.

Basically, you ca not go wrong in any of the hospitals in Singapore. This country boasts one of the world's longest longevity rates as well as one of the lowest infant mortality rates. There are both government and private hospitals. All are of good quality, but the government hospitals are less expensive. The downside is you are more likely to have to wait for treatment. Although the private hospitals are more expensive, you will be treated quickly and efficiently.

I would like to give a brief overview of some of the better hospitals in Singapore.

National University Hospital is one of the most famous and largest hospitals in Singapore. It is connected with the University of Singapore and ranked among the top six in the world in 2000 by WHO. Its current strengths are in the fields of cardiology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. You will find NUH on 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road. NUH has a whole department, the International Patient Liaison Centre which caters to foreigners seeking treatment at their hospital. Their 24-hour help line is (65)6779 2777.

Changi General Hospital serves the eastern part of Singapore. In June 2005, this hospital received Joint Commission International accreditation. At CGH, you will find an International Medical Services team that is trained to assist you in getting the treatment you need.

Mount Alvernia is another good choice, founded in 1961 by an order of Franciscan nuns. Today the hospital is still not-for-profit. This hospital specializes in mother and child care. Mount Alvernia has a 24-hour walk-in clinic and emergency room. If finances are an issue this might be the hospital for you to consider.

Tan Tock Seng Hospital was founded in 1844 through the philanthropy of Mr. Tan Tock Seng. It is the second largest hospital in Singapore. Due to its central location its accident and emergency room is the busiest in the country. It is also accredited by the Joint Commission International for keeping up with high medical standards. It is also a member of the National Healthcare Group. It may not be terribly user friendly for the foreigner.

Singapore General Hospital is the oldest (founded in 1821) and largest hospital in Singapore, located on the grounds of the Outram Park. This hospital is a government run hospital which means the costs are kept low. This does not mean that quality suffers; the nursing staff recently received the distinctive Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Thomson Medical is best known for its high quality maternity care. They also have a department devoted to caring for the International patient. In addition, they have a Korean Service department dedicated to the needs of the Korean expatriate community.

Gleneagles Hospital is one of several excellent private hospitals managed by Parkway Health in Singapore and other parts of Asia. Gleneagles focuses on providing user-friendly services, along with quality care, specialists' expertise and modern technology; it is conveniently located near the Botanic Gardens and not far from the US embassy. Another Parkway Health hospital is Mount Elizabeth Hospital which specializes in cardiac surgery and neurosurgery.

You may want to consider Raffles Hospital another private hospital which especially caters the Japanese community. You can expect five star treatment and accommodations as well as a five-star price. This hospital gained notoriety for its landmark surgery in separating Siamese twins. Raffles makes available traditional Chinese medicine for those seeking that type of treatment.

I hope you do not have to use this information, but you never know when knowing where to find a good hospital will come in handy.