Reflecting the country's commitment to leadership in technology and providing quality of life for its citizens and visitors, Singapore is today the preeminent provider of medical treatment and healthcare services in the region. The country boasts over 2,000 healthcare establishments, 28 hospitals and specialty centers – of which 7 are government-run hospitals, 5 are national specialist centers, 18 are polyclinics (outpatient services) and 3 are specialty institutes. There are more than 80 healthcare companies operating in Singapore.

The key to getting good healthcare is to understand the types of health services offered. The country has a dual system of healthcare delivery, including both a public and private component. The Government runs the public system while the private system is provided by private hospitals and general practitioners. Primary, secondary and specialist health care is provided at private clinics and government outpatient polyclinics, although it is more expensive at the private level.

Residents and visitors are free to select from among government or private providers and they are permitted to walk in for a consultation at any private clinic or government polyclinic. For emergencies, there are ambulance services and 24-hour emergency departments located in the government hospitals.

As for prescription services, there are pharmacies available in numerous outlets, including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centers. Pharmacies such as Guardian Pharmacy and Unity Pharmacy are usually staffed with one pharmacist and several assistants. Medications that do not require prescriptions are available off-the-shelves in pharmacies and local convenience stores such as Watsons.

Most general practitioners in Singapore will dispense medication as part of the consultation. General practitioners can be found in many neighbourhoods and shopping centers. Some general practitioners work in medical groups / chains (e.g. the Raffles Medical Group chain), while others are privately-owned and managed offices.

Dental services in Singapore are privatized – check out the yellow pages for a listing of dentists, or ask around your company to see if there is a recommended dentist to go to.