Singapore attracting increasing Number of Medical Visitors from the Middle East

The Southeast Asian nation of Singapore is quickly becoming known as much for its excellence in medical care as it is for its multi-racial population, themed attractions, and clean and safe surroundings.

“Singapore, with its excellent healthcare system, a vast pool of competent medical expertise, and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, is primed to be a premier destination for healthcare services in the region. Currently, Singapore attracts more than 200,000 foreign patients from around the world each year and hopes to increase the number to 1 million annually by the year 2012,” said Dr. Chan Tat Hon, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Assistant Chief Executive (International) and Program Director of Healthcare Services.

In 2002, the World Health Organization’s first worldwide analysis of health systems ranked Singapore as the best in Asia, ahead of Japan (ranked 10) and the US (ranked 37).

“We have seen an increasing number of medical visitors from the Middle East as many of them already know the island because they have traveled here as tourists with their families and are comfortable in our city. However, many more are coming to seek healthcare services in Singapore as awareness grows about our state-of-the-art treatment facilities,” he added.

Singapore’s hospitals and specialty centers offer a multitude of specialized treatments, providing an integrated focus in areas such as cardiology (heart), ophthalmology (eye) and oncology (cancer).

Singapore’s healthcare providers have dedicated international patient service centers that provide comprehensive services for foreign patients and their families, such as arrangements for appointments, admission, transport, accommodation and interpreters.

The SingaporeMedicine pavilion at Arab Health 2005 will showcase four main healthcare providers from the island – National Healthcare Group, SingHealth Group including KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, National Cancer Centre, National Heart Centre and Singapore National Eye Centre, Parkway Group Healthcare and Raffles Hospital – each with its own unique offerings and specialty services.

In addition Singapore will be sending eight of its leading specialists from the above institutions as well as Pacific Healthcare Holdings to speak at the prestigious Arab Health Congress, covering topics like oncology, minimally invasive surgery, stem cell transplant and orthopedics.

“SingaporeMedicine’s participation in Arab Health 2005 will help boost awareness about Singapore’s range of quality healthcare services and providers. We are excited about the prospect of meeting healthcare specialists and organizations with whom we can partner to provide medical service excellence to the region,” said Dr. Chan.

Arab Health takes place between 12 - 15 February 2005 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.