When you are being posted to Singapore there is one thing you do not have to worry about; the level of healthcare. The level in Singapore is among the highest in the world, probably different from what you are used to but high nonetheless. A good illustration is probably the attempt in Singapore to separate the adult Iranian siamese twin-sisters in 2003. Though the attempt unfortunately failed this was not because of lack or level of recourses.

Singapore is also relatively bug-free, you don’t need malaria medicine or shots for diphtheria, hepatitis or yellow fever and the like. It is the tropics however and mosquito bourn diseases such as dengue do occasionally crop-up but the government is very strict on people who provide ‘breeding grounds’ such as stagnant water in pales etc.

The healthcare system is basically a ‘private’ one though there are public hospitals. This means you do not have ‘appointed’ doctors for districts or areas as in some countries and it also means that, quite literally, you have to pull your wallet as you enter the hospital.

There are a large number of clinics scattered throughout the island in sometimes unlikely places such as shopping centres. The major hospitals, both private and public, also have their own walk-in clinics, a number of these have 24 hour service. The larger clinics and hospitals have their own pharmacy; otherwise you can use the ‘commercial’ pharmacies with a prescription.

You don’t necessarily have a fixed GP and you can go to the hospital clinics without referral. Once you have settled on a place to live look around at the available clinics and make a list to avoid panic should you ever need their service. Talk to your neighbours if you want to get a feel for the quality of them.

If you are in need of regular check-ups or medicine build-up the relation with a doctor nearby.

For more details on hospitals and financial matters refer to these sections.

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