The decline of Singapore medical tourism

 09-Feb-17, International Medical Travel Journal

A decade ago Singapore was a leading medical tourism destination with ambitious plans for expansion. Now it is losing business every year to competitors. 

Image: IMTJ

The government has funds to build tourist attractions in partnership with the private sector but is now unwilling to promote medical tourism.

Medical tourism was once a potential key driver of the economy, but it has been increasingly difficult for Singapore to maintain its position as a leading medical destination due to ever-rising costs. 

The general standard of care is superb. But there is a lack of transparency in private hospital fees, which routinely contain many hidden charges. The absence of fee guidelines for medical practitioners means there can be unanticipated costs resulting from complications and overtreatment. 

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