DOCSLIB.ORG

Public Perceptions of the Factors That Constitute a Good Healthcare System Joshi V D, Chen Y M, Lim J F Y

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Public Perceptions of the Factors That Constitute a Good Healthcare System Joshi V D, Chen Y M, Lim J F Y Original Article Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10) : 982 Public perceptions of the factors that constitute a good healthcare system Joshi V D, Chen Y M, Lim J F Y ABSTRACT system. Further snapshot surveys to assess Introduction: In Singapore, few studies have perceptions of the healthcare system should been done on the factors that the general public be conducted with questionnaires abridged to considers to be most important in the healthcare include only these five identified critical factors. system. We conducted this pilot study to determine the factor structure, reliability and Keywords: healthcare system, Singapore validity of statements in a healthcare survey healthcare system questionnaire as predictors of public perception Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10): 982-989 of a good healthcare system. IntrodUction Methods : Data on public perceptions of The expectations of the public to receive the “best possible healthcare from a national survey of 1,434 adult care” in the developed country setting is increasingly Singaporeans was analysed using a principal tenuous, given the competing and often conflicting component analysis and regression, to obtain demands on the finite resources available in healthcare.(1) the factors and predictors. The survey employed While governments the world over are facing increasing 31 statements on healthcare quality, cost, access challenges of providing high quality and financially and the role of the individual vis-à-vis society, sustainable public healthcare, public expectations of which participants ranked on a five-point Likert better health and better healthcare are also rising, driven scale. by the spread of information, growing political and economic empowerment, and aggressive marketing by Results: The exploratory factor analysis identified pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.(2) six critical factors (F): National healthcare Furthermore, it is naïve to assume a “one size fits all” Singhealth Centre financing framework (F1), Service at public perspective of what society desires from its healthcare for Health Services Research, institutions (F2), Service at private institutions system and to apply research and findings from different Singapore Health Services Pte Ltd, (F3), Individual responsibility for health (F4), countries with different societal norms and expectations 226 Outram Road, Affordability at public institutions (F5), and brusquely into any given health system. The plurality Block A, #03-01, Affordability at private institutions (F6). These of the healthcare delivery and financing systems in the Singapore 169039 factors explained 54 percent of variance, and world suggests powerful and highly conceptualised Joshi VD, MSc, PhD Cronbach’s alpha ranged from 0.5 to 0.72, except Research Fellow social influences on the healthcare system, and it has now for F1. Regression analysis showed an association become essential to carefully study consumers’ needs Lim JFY, MBBS, MPH, MRCSE of public perception of good healthcare in and expectations locally, to determine the appropriate Director, Research and Education Singapore with the following factors: F2 (odds allocation of healthcare resources. ratio [OR] 1.79, 95 percent confidence interval Healthcare systems are typically discussed in Department of Biostatistics, [CI] 1.48–2.16, p-value is less than 0.0001); F3 (OR academia, based on the consideration of cost, quality Singapore Clinical Research Institute 1.29, 95 percent CI 1.10–1.52, p-value is less than and access. This is a useful conceptual framework, but it Pte Ltd, 0.0001); F5 (OR 1.52, 95 percent CI 1.27–1.83, p- 31 Biopolis Way, does not take into account consumers’ preferences and the Nanos #02-01, value is less than 0.0001); F1 (OR 1.31, 95 percent unique considerations of balancing the trade-offs between Singapore 138669 CI 1.08–1.59, p-value is 0.01); F4 (OR 1.33, 95 the three dimensions of cost, quality and access. In fact, Chen YM, PhD Senior Biostatistician percent CI 1.16–1.54, p-value is less than 0.0001); studies in developing countries have shown that patients’ but not with F6. preferences are influenced by a variety of other factors, Correspondence to: Dr Veena Dhanajay including the service attitude of the providers, and that the Joshi Tel: (65) 6323 8201 Conclusion: This pilot study provides a practical, final choice is determined by a complex interplay of these Fax: (65) 6323 2902 reliable and valid first perception second level (3) Email: veena.d.joshi factors. Studies in the developed world are not dissimilar. @singhealth.com.sg matrix to assess the Singapore healthcare In the United Kingdom (UK), a majority of the public Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10) : 983 believed that they would receive the best possible care that the “state responsibility for healthcare provision” and is most suited to their needs under the UK National Health “satisfaction” as two important dimensions in healthcare Service, irrespective of their ability to pay. However, quality.(9) Dutch researchers have developed an instrument the research done by a network of health professionals to measure different dimensions of public trust in showed that due to cost issues and the breaking of trust healthcare in the Netherlands and had used Cronbach’s with professional groups, this was not necessarily always alpha and exploratory factor analysis to show construct the case.(1) In Australia, a nationwide telephone survey of validity.(10) In Singapore, few studies have been conducted 800 adults carried out in 2007 showed a strong support to determine the factors the general public considers to be for the current healthcare system, but also revealed fairly most important. We aimed to explore the critical factors weak “pro-private” atttitudes and strong “pro-public” that impact public perception of what makes a good attitudes, suggesting an inherent Australian bias towards healthcare system. and describe the development of a publicly-offered healthcare services.(4) The perceptions of questionnaire and analysis to identify the factors associated Canadians about their healthcare system were discussed in with the perception of a good healthcare system. a report to the Health Council of Canada, which reported that the highest priority for Canadians was timely access to METHods care, while quality of care was also a major concern.(5) In The methodology for the survey has been previously another study, Italian citizens questioned the quantity and detailed in Lim and Joshi’s report(11) and will only be quality of the services provided by the Italian healthcare briefly described here. A telephone survey, using a sample system, even though the World Health Report 2000 had frame generated randomly from the 2005/2006 telephone ranked the Italian healthcare system second among 191 directory, was conducted in August 2006. Inclusion countries, with respect to health status, fairness in financial criteria were restricted to respondents who were older than contribution and responsiveness to people’s expectations 21 years of age, who professed to be knowledgeable about of the health system.(6) the household and who could speak English. In Singapore, the government examined the role of The attributes of public perception of the healthcare state healthcare financing and provisions. It was decided system were derived from pre-survey focus group that while the government would continue to subsidise discussions with patients and a survey carried out in healthcare to bring the prices down to an affordable 2003 by Lee et al, on behalf of the Singapore government level, Singaporeans would have to share in the cost of the Feedback Unit.(12) The items were based on healthcare services they consume.(7) The abovementioned studies quality, cost, access and the role of the individual vis-à- suggest that developed countries which had conducted vis society. The initial item pool was further reduced to similar public surveys reported a similar finding of include only items that were clear and not redundant. The multiple factors impacting the perception of healthcare emphasis was on using simple and unambiguous wordings quality. Healthcare quality throughout the world is not and responses. The resulting questionnaire consisted straightforward. It is an “objective” assessment and of 31 questions in total, excluding the demographics. depends on a complex interplay of factors, including Nine items were on the usage of healthcare, 22 items on actual quality of care delivered, timeliness and cost of healthcare perceptions and eight items on demographical services, public expectations and underlying societal characteristics. The responses to each perception item values. Therefore, there is a need to develop an instrument were measured on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from to help providers better understand the multiplicity of “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree”. The responses to perspectives and issues on which healthcare consumers each item on the questionnaire were analysed so that a base their healthcare decisions. It would be expensive and higher item score indicated a more favourable attitude. The impractical to ascertain de novo these myriad elements last section captured the demographics, i.e. information on each time a research is conducted; and we believe factor age, gender, race, education, income, occupation and type analysis is an effective and efficient method which can be of housing. used for identifying underlying dimensions in a group of Correlation was used to determine which items were variables and for developing an instrument that is a brief, associated. One item, “Singapore has a good healthcare practical, reliable and valid measure of public perception system” was not included in the factor analysis, but was of healthcare.(8) only used as a dependent variable in the multinomial A few countries have looked at some of the dimensions regression analysis (Appendix 1). Before the study of healthcare delivery. For example, using data on 14 began, two experts in face validity revised the Healthcare European countries, the Eurobarometer survey highlighted Questionnaire scale, and it was pilot-tested among eight Singapore Med J 2009; 50(10) : 984 Table I.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Doctors' Guide to Working & Living in Singapore
    Doctors’ Guide to Working & Living in Singapore www.headmedical.com Working in Singapore Healthcare System Medical Registration Employment Pass Language Requirements Living in Singapore Housing | Education Utilities | Public Transport Climate | Moving Pets Central Provident Fund & Transferring UK Pensions Health Insurance | Contact Us Cost of Living | Link Library Working in Singapore Healthcare System Healthcare in Singapore is mainly under the responsibility of the Singapore Government’s Ministry of Health, and is designed to ensure that everyone has access to different levels of healthcare in a timely and cost-effective manner. Singapore has 8 public hospitals comprising 6 general hospitals, a women’s and children’s hospital, and a psychiatric hospital. General hospitals provide multi-disciplinary inpatient and specialist outpatient services, and 24-hour emergency departments. Six national specialty centres provide cancer, cardiac, eye, skin, neuroscience and dental care. Medical Registration International medical graduates (IMG) are doctors trained overseas. IMGs holding a degree from a university specified in the Second Schedule of the Medical Registration Act (MRA), a registrable postgraduate medical qualification recognised by the SMC or a specialist qualification recognised for specialist accreditation by the Specialists Accreditation Board (SAB), may apply for conditional registration. Conditional registration allows an international medical graduate to work in an SMC-approved healthcare institution, under the supervision of a
    [Show full text]
  • Expat Singapore.Pdf
    SINGAPORE An everyday guide to expatriate life and work. YOUR SINGAPORE COUNTRY GUIDE Contents Overview 1 Employment Quick Facts 1 The job market 7 Getting Started Income tax 7 Climate and weather 2 Business etiquette 7 Visas 3 Retirement 7 Accommodation 3 Finance Schools 3 Currency 8 Culture Cost of living 8 Language 4 Banking 8 Social etiquette and faux pas 4 Cost of living chart 9 Eating 4 Drinking 4 Health Holidays 5 Private Medical Insurance 8 Emergencies BC Transport 6 Vaccinations BC Getting In Touch Health Risks BC Telephone 6 Pharmacies BC Internet 6 Postal services 6 Quick facts Capital: Singapore Population: 5.6 million Major language: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil Major religion: Buddhism, Christianity Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD) Time zone: GMT+8 Emergency number: 999 (police), 995 (ambulance, fire) Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs with flat blades are used. Drive on the: Left http://www.expatarrivals.com/singapore/essential- info-for-singapore Overview Singapore is a buzzing metropolis with a fascinating mix of nationalities and cultures that promote tolerance and harmony. Expats can take comfort in the knowledge that the island city- state is clean and safe. Renowned for its exemplary and efficient public transport and communications infrastructure, Singapore is also home to some of the best international schools and healthcare facilities in the world. In the tropical climate that Singapore boasts, expats can look forward to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle all year round. Its location, situated off the southern coast of Malaysia, also makes Singapore an ideal base from which to explore other parts of Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • Caring for Our People: 50 Years of Healthcare in Singapore
    Caring for our People Prime Minister’s Message Good health is important for individuals, for families, and for our society. It is the foundation for our people’s vitality and optimism, and a reflection of our nation’s prosperity and success. A healthy community is also a happy one. Singapore has developed our own system for providing quality healthcare to all. Learning from other countries and taking advantage of a young population, we invested in preventive health, new healthcare facilities and developing our healthcare workforce. We designed a unique financing system, where individuals receive state subsidies for public healthcare but at the same time can draw upon the 3Ms – Medisave, MediShield and Medifund – to pay for their healthcare needs. As responsible members of society, each of us has to save for our own healthcare needs, pay our share of the cost, and make good and sensible decisions about using healthcare services. Our healthcare outcomes are among the best in the world. Average life expectancy is now 83 years, compared with 65 years in 1965. The infant mortality rate is 2 per 1,000 live births, down from 26 per 1,000 live births 50 years ago. This book is dedicated to all those in the Government policies have adapted to the times. We started by focusing on sanitation and public health and went on healthcare sector who laid the foundations to develop primary, secondary and tertiary health services. In recent years, we have enhanced government subsidies of a healthy nation in the years gone by, substantially to ensure that healthcare remains affordable.
    [Show full text]
  • Affordable Excellence Singapore Healthcare Today
    Epilogue to Affordable Excellence Singapore Healthcare Today: Progress Toward Sustainable High Quality Healthcare, 2013-2014 Chang Liu, Eti Bhasker, and William A. Haseltine Epilogue to affordable excellence INTRODUCTION Singapore has a remarkable healthcare system that delivers high quality care at an af- fordable cost. It is ranked sixth globally by the World Health Organization – far ahead of the United Kingdom at eighteen and the United States at thirty seven. Singapore has achieved the fourth best life expectancy rate in the world, at eighty two years.1 In 2012, Bloomberg ranked Singapore the world’s healthiest country.2 The healthcare achievements of the country – the transition to excellence, the establish- ment of guiding principles, and the development and governance of the healthcare system – are the subject of our previous book, Affordable Excellence: The Singapore Healthcare Story, by William A. Haseltine. This Epilogue is designed to bring the story up to date on system adjustments and major policy shifts since the publication of Affordable Excellence. Healthcare in Singapore has come a long way since the nation became independent in 1965. The government, institutions, and economy of Singapore have made the transition from those of a low income country to those of a high income country since the mid 1960s – a feat that is reflected in the current prosperity, improved living conditions, and high quality healthcare system. Among many measures of excellence, we find im- provements over the years in key health outcomes: life expectancy for women is cur- rently 84.5 years, versus sixty five years in 1960; life expectancy for men is currently 79.9 years, versus 61.2 years in 1960.
    [Show full text]
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services in Singapore Choon Guan Lim1*, Say How Ong1,2, Chee Hon Chin1 and Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung1
    Lim et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health (2015) 9:7 DOI 10.1186/s13034-015-0037-8 REVIEW Open Access Child and adolescent psychiatry services in Singapore Choon Guan Lim1*, Say How Ong1,2, Chee Hon Chin1 and Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung1 Abstract Singapore is a small young city state with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population. This article reviews the development of the country’s child and adolescent psychiatry services through the years, in the background of other developments within the country’s education, social and legal services. Research and other available data on the prevalence of psychiatric problems among children and adolescents in Singapore are summarized, although there has been no nation-wide epidemiological study done. One of the most recent developments has been the establishment of a community mental health service, which works collaboratively with schools and community partners. Some challenges are also discussed especially in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry training. Possible future directions include providing mental heath care for preschool children as well as epidemiological studies to identify disease prevalence and mental health needs among children and adolescents in Singapore. Keywords: Child psychiatry, Child mental health, Adolescent psychiatry, Singapore, Education Introduction A series of population control measures were imple- Singapore is a small island located within Southeast Asia mented since the sixties, including the successful ‘Stop at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula. We will at Two’ policy, to avoid burdening the developing econ- provide a brief history of the country’s development to omy with an excessively large population.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRODUCTION to SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE Contents
    01 INTRODUCTION TO SINGAPORE HEALTHCARE Contents Chapter 1 Ageing Successfully in Singapore Chapter 2 Healthcare and Community Care Services Chapter 3 Home and Community Development Efforts Chapter 4 Referral Volume and Workload for Home Care Chapter 5 Key Agencies Chapter 6 Legislation Chapter 01 Ageing Successfully in Singapore e CHAPTER01 The population’s median age has increased Singapore is a small but from 39.3 in 2014 to 39.6 in 2015. The proportion of elderly residents has grown from vibrant city state with a 2.5% in 1965 to 11.8% in 2015. Ageing Successfully total land area of 719.1 square kilometres and In terms of age composition, the young-old a total population of (aged 65-74 years) makes up the majority (see Table 1.1). in Singapore 5.61 million. The old-old (aged 75-84) is the next largest group at 29%, while the oldest-old (aged 85 and above), forms the remaining 9%. Table 1.1 Age Composition Young-old Old-old Oldest-old 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 and over 40% 22% 18% 11% 9% Total 100% Number 459,715 p Source: Population Trends 2015, DOS. 04 Booklet 1 Introduction to Singapore Healthcare Introduction to Singapore Healthcare Booklet 1 05 Chapter 01 Ageing Successfully in Singapore Chapter 01 Ageing Successfully in Singapore The Action Plan aims to build a The average life expectancy be aged 65 years old or older The Action Plan for Successful Nation for All Ages, with its of Singaporeans has also by 2030, the rapidly ageing Ageing report was released on increased, contributing to population in Singapore will 24 February 2016.
    [Show full text]
  • Health Systems Reforms in Singapore: a Qualitative Study of Key Stakeholders
    Accepted Manuscript Title: Health Systems Reforms in Singapore: A Qualitative Study of Key Stakeholders Authors: Suan Ee Ong, Shilpa Tyagi, Mingjie Jane Lim, Seng Kee Chia, Helena Legido-Quigley PII: S0168-8510(18)30048-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.02.005 Reference: HEAP 3862 To appear in: Health Policy Received date: 28-4-2017 Revised date: 11-1-2018 Accepted date: 10-2-2018 Please cite this article as: Ong Suan Ee, Tyagi Shilpa, Lim Mingjie Jane, Chia Seng Kee, Legido-Quigley Helena.Health Systems Reforms in Singapore: A Qualitative Study of Key Stakeholders.Health Policy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.02.005 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Revisions: 11 January 2018 HEALTH SYSTEMS REFORMS IN SINGAPORE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS Suan Ee ONG1, Shilpa TYAGI1, Jane Mingjie LIM1, Kee Seng CHIA1, Helena LEGIDO-QUIGLEY1,2 1Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 2London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom Corresponding Author Dr Helena Legido-Quigley Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health National University of Singapore 12 Science Drive 2, #10‐03H Tahir Foundation Building Singapore 117549 E: [email protected] HIGHLIGHTS The RHS is a national-level move towards caring for the patient holistically across the care continuum.
    [Show full text]
  • The Singapore Healthcare System: an Overview
    The Singapore Healthcare System CHAPTER 1 The Singapore Healthcare System: An Overview Singapore has achieved extraordinary results both in the high quality of its healthcare system and in controlling the cost of care. In per capita terms and as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), its health- care expenditures are the lowest of all the high-income countries in the world. How did this happen? How has Singapore been able to achieve these kinds of results? e answers are bigger than just the process of putting a healthcare system together. ere are larger factors that have to do with the spirit and philosophy of Singapore itself, the way it is governed, how the government approaches domestic issues, and how it deals with the world. In my study of Singapore, I have found three compelling qualities woven into the fabric of the country that have enabled it to achieve outstanding successes in so many areas, healthcare included. ey are long- term political unity, the ability to recognize and establish national priorities, and the consistent desire for collective well-being and social harmony of the country. Political Unity and Constancy of Purpose From the time the British withdrew from Singapore and left its former colony to fend for itself, Singapore has been able to develop and grow as an integrated whole. e People’s Action Party (PAP) has been in power since independence, resulting in sustained political stability. Along with stability has come a unity and constancy of purpose and action throughout Affordable Excellence combined t1 1 3/21/2013 7:12:50 PM Affordable Excellence government.
    [Show full text]
  • NTU Summer Programme 2015 “Sustainability and Innovation” 6 – 16 July 2015 Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
    NTU Summer Programme 2015 “Sustainability and Innovation” 6 – 16 July 2015 Nanyang Technological University, Singapore The Centre for Continuing Education of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is organising a two-week summer programme from 6 to 16 July 2015 for international university students. The theme of the programme is “Sustainability and Innovation”. You will learn about Climate Change and its impact on Sustainability, Sustainable Environmental Management, Economic Sustainability, Sustainability Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Innovation: When East meets West, Driving Innovation through Diversity: The Engine of Growth for 21st Century Businesses, Creativity & Innovation and Service Innovation. Lessons come alive with the various interesting visits planned specially for you. Join in the programme! Be the first to learn how to be sustainable and innovative in the 21st Century! Come and experience a uniquely learning environment on the green, spacious and beautiful campus of NTU. Truly enjoy the exciting life in a vibrant and cosmopolitan city! IMPORTANT DATES Early Bird Registration Payment Deadline 20 April 2015 Standard Registration Payment Deadline 25 May 2015 Confirmation of Registration 30 May 2015 Programme Outline Classes are conducted in English by NTU faculty members and adjunct trainers. Topics include: o Singapore, the Island Nation – An Overview o Climate Change and Its Impact on Sustainability o Sustainable Environmental Management o Sustainability Leadership o Creativity and Innovation o Economic Sustainability
    [Show full text]
  • A Perspective of Future Healthcare Landscape in ASEAN and Singapore
    A perspective of future healthcare landscape in ASEAN and Singapore Economic prosperity, aging population, the growing middle income population and sensitive public policy are key demand drivers of better healthcare and infrastructure. This will ultimately manifest in a gradual but undeniable shift in health outcomes of the population together with the related areas of the healthcare ecosystem. Minister for Health Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong 2 WhatTo start a new section, hold downwe the apple+shif t keknowys and click in ASEAN today and to release this object and type the section title in the box below. estimate tomorrow A sad reality: “Health is a striking example where least progress has been made in Asia, despite the high economic growth and great success in poverty reduction”1 Average life expectancy in ASEAN Meet the over 65s in ASEAN – by countries in 2012 was 73 2020 they will number 46 million – 7.8% of ASEAN Population , an increase of YEARS 8 – one in every3: years since 1990: Singapore 6 Singaporeans achieves the highest with 83, 14 Indonesians and Laos and Myanmar the 26 Laotians lowest with 66. Cambodia experienced the largest increase Nurture the under 14-year-olds – 26% of ASEAN’s by 18 years to 771 population in 2013 with ongoing decline through 2020. Lowest rate in Singapore (16%), highest rates Health expenditure per capita in Philippines and Laos (34, 35%)4 in ASEAN is around 4% of GDP - as compared to the Chronic diseases due to OCED average of 9.5% - sedentary lifestyles are becoming despite the ASEAN health more prevalent
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring Healthcare and Culture in China's Southwest Dean’S Message
    A publication of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine • Issue 31 / August 2019 EXPLORING HEALTHCARE AND CULTURE IN CHINA'S SOUTHWEST DEAN’S MESSAGE Dear Reader As we look ahead, I am confident that Nursing will play an even bigger role in the planning and delivery of care, Fourteen years ago, the National University of Singapore especially when the focus of care shifts beyond hospitals. introduced an undergraduate nursing degree. Taught by This is where our graduate nurses will come to the fore. They experienced faculty with extensive nursing experience are the best professionals to deliver care in the community, gained here and abroad, the pioneer batch of graduate as the population gets older and more chronic care is nurses has gone on to make their mark in various required. healthcare roles throughout Singapore. The next time you encounter our nurses, please take a They have been joined over the years by over a thousand moment to congratulate them. They do us all proud. other NUS Nursing graduates. Working alongside other healthcare colleagues, NUS Nursing graduates have On an equally happy note, I am pleased to introduce our contributed immensely to the health and well-being of School orchid, the Vanda NUS Medicine. The orchid is Singaporeans from all walks of life. This year, the Alice Lee distinguished by its base yellow colour and tessellations Centre for Nursing Studies celebrates the 10th anniversary that range from orange to crimson red – colours that of the graduation of that inaugural Nursing Class of 2009. correspond to those on the hoods of academic gowns worn That first class numbered about 50 graduates.
    [Show full text]
  • SGH Celebrates 200 Years of Caring for the Nation
    MEDIA RELEASE SGH celebrates 200 years of caring for the nation Singapore, 29 March 2021 — From the beriberi disease in the 1890s, Spanish flu outbreak in 1918, and later the Japanese air raids during war, racial riots, explosion of Greek oil tanker Spyros, to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) has always been here, caring for the nation. SGH was just a shed in the British cantonment area established in 1821, two years after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles. Today, 200 years later, the Hospital cares for about 1 million patients yearly, and has been ranked among the top 10 best hospitals in the world for three consecutive years. SGH is an Academic Medical Centre where teaching and research take place to advance patient care and to ensure future generations of healthcare professionals are even better. Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance, delivered a speech at SGH’s bicentennial celebration named Rooted in Excellence on Monday, 29 March 2021. It was held at SGH’s new Bicentennial Garden which DPM Heng officially opened by planting a tree to signify laying down roots for the future growth of SGH. He was joined by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, and senior leaders from SingHealth and SGH. The Bicentennial Garden is adjacent to the iconic Bowyer Block, a national monument. Bowyer Block is the only remaining block of the Hospital that was opened on the very same date back in 1926. “We have journeyed, and will continue to journey with the nation, through good times and tough ones.
    [Show full text]