Singapore's medical facilities are modern and well advanced, and there is no problem to receive any kind of treatment. The standards are as high as in most western countries.
It is very recommended to obtain a comprehensive health-insurance before arrival, as medical costs can be very expensive and patients are usually required to provide a deposit or guarantee of payment prior to admission.
The following hospitals have good reputation :
Singapore General Hospital, Outram Rd. (easily accessed via MRT-Outram), Phones: General enquiries - 6222 3322, Accident & Emergency: 6321 4311
National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd. (The hospital operates free bus and shuttle services from MRT-Buona Vista), Phones: Main line - 6779 5555, Emergency: 6772 5000
Mount Elizabeth Hospital, 3 Mount Elizabeth Rd. (The hospital is at the city centre and a short walk from Orchard Rd.). Phones: Main line - 6737 2666, Accident & Emergency: 6731 2218/9
Gleneagles Hospital, 6A Napier Rd. (Near the Botanic Gardens, can be accessed by bus Nos. : CSS 602 / SBS 7, 105, 123, 174, 502 / SMRT 75, 77, 106). Phones: Main line - 6473 7222, Accident & Emergency: 6470 5688
Pharmacies can be found at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centers. Registered pharmacists usually work from 9 am to 6 pm
Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock. Other doctors are listed under Medical Practitioners in the Yellow Pages.
Singapore is a very clean city that maintains high standards of hygiene.
Some areas of the city are so clean and tidy, you can almost eat from the floor... That includes Hawker centers (food centers), where authentic food is prepared in cheap eateries. Most of those eateries and stalls are visited frequently by health-inspectors so there shouldn't be anything wrong with their food. However, it is always good to take precautions, especially when it comes to something sensitive like seafood... If you want to eat seafood in a street-stall, just make sure the place is reasonably clean before you place your order.
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, but some of you might not like the taste... Bottled water is not expensive and can be bought everywhere.
Health hazards in Singapore are few and far between : One of the main things you should pay attention to is the weather. Constantly high temperatures and humidity can lead to fatigue and weakness, so it is highly advisable to drink a lot, stay in the shade (whenever possible) and not to run around tirelessly in the heat of the day...
Another health issue you should be aware of is the dengue fever (and sometimes, even Japanese encephalitis). This mosquito-borne illness is prevalent in more than 100 countries around the world (mostly in tropical areas) and is manifested by a sudden onset of fever, with severe headache, muscle and joint pains and rashes. The dengue rash is characteristically bright red petechia and usually appears first on the lower limbs and the chest - in some patients, it spreads to cover most of the body. There may also be gastritis with some combination of associated abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Some cases develop much milder symptoms which can, when no rash is present, be misdiagnosed as influenza or other viral infection.
Generally speaking, Dengue fever is not a very big problem in Singapore. There are not too many cases and most of the incidents occur in residential areas that are quite away from the tourist and business centers. Chances of contracting dengue fever are higher after a long wet season
Prevention of dengue fever is relatively easy : simply take the necessary precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent.
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You may also want to read about...
When to come? What to wear? What to bring?
Customs and Immigration
Visiting neighboring countries
Money, Communications, Time and other small daily stuff
Emergency - what to do in case of a problem
