Healthcare Services
Singapore is the leading healthcare provider in Asia, with over 3,000 healthcare establishments comprising public and private hospitals as well as specialty centres.
The nation’s focus on healthcare covers not only medical care but also the important prongs of education and research, particularly in advanced specialties such as oncology, neurology, cardiology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, rehabilitation and infectious diseases.
Healthcare standards in Singapore have remained high, despite a relatively low national healthcare expenditure of 4% of GDP. One-third of Joint Commissions international (JCI)- accredited hospitals in Asia are from Singapore and there are 16 medical doctors per 10,000 people. In response to the escalating demand for healthcare services, the Ministry of Health is looking to train and engage healthcare professionals covering a wide spectrum of jobs, including allied health professionals.
The nation is also a popular destination for medical tourists because of our impeccable quality of care and high standards in medical research, education and advanced medical care. The target is to attract 1 million medical tourists by 2012 based on the selling proposition of an exceptional standard of care.
In 1999, Johns Hopkins International set up its Asian flagship medical facility in Singapore. Two collaborations, between the National University Hospital and the National University of Singapore Medicine and Dental faculty, and between the Singapore General Hospital and the Duke Graduate Medical School, will provide the impetus for new advances to be made in medical research breakthroughs.
In January 2009, the Ministry of Health announced that the public healthcare system is looking to fill 4,500 positions over the next two years, with another 1,700 to follow after that, expanding the existing pool of practitioners by 40%.
Programmes for Singaporean Students
To help build Singapore’s pool of medical and allied health professionals, MOH Holdings, in partnership with the public healthcare institutions in Singapore, are offering two programmes to outstanding students with a desire to serve in the Singapore’s public healthcare sector upon graduation. Find out more about the programmes below.
- About Pre-Employment Grant (PEG)
Open to Singaporean students studying in an overseas medical school recognised by the Singapore Medical Council, the PEG offers grant at mid-course and covers up to 60% of the remaining years of tuition fees, capped at S$40,000 per year (maximum grant of S$80,000). Recipients of the grant are required to serve in the public hospitals for a minimum period. Click here to read more about the programme.
- About Mid-Term Scholarship (MTS)
The MTS is open to all Singapore citizens and Singapore PR students currently pursuing a Bachelors or Masters in allied health disciplines at a local or recognised overseas university. The scholarship is open to students embarking on their final year of studies. Other students will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Scholarship recipients are required to serve a minimum bond of three years with one of Singapore’s public healthcare institutions. Click here to download the MTS flyer.
Read more about the Singapore healthcare industry here or visit the Ministry of Health website.
Download industry factsheet.
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