Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) stands as a beacon of medical excellence, innovation, and compassionate care. As the oldest and largest hospital in Singapore, SGH has earned a reputation as one of the best hospitals in the world and a leader in Asia’s healthcare ecosystem. It is renowned for its patient-centric approach, advanced clinical services, and its strong focus on education and research.
For patients from across Asia and beyond, SGH is a trusted name that symbolizes world-class healthcare standards, backed by Singapore’s robust infrastructure and commitment to medical quality.
History and Legacy
SGH was officially established in 1821, making it one of the oldest hospitals in the region. Its humble beginnings as a small wooden shed for British troops evolved over two centuries into a 1,700-bed tertiary referral hospital that serves more than 1 million patients annually.
As part of the SingHealth group—the largest public healthcare cluster in Singapore—SGH serves as the flagship hospital, collaborating closely with specialty centers such as the National Cancer Centre, National Heart Centre, and Singapore National Eye Centre, all located within its health campus.
International Recognition and Rankings
SGH consistently ranks among the top hospitals in the world. In Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list, it has repeatedly secured a spot among the top 10 hospitals globally, and is widely considered the best hospital in Asia.
SGH is particularly well-known for its excellence in:
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Oncology (cancer treatment)
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Cardiology
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Gastroenterology
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Hematology
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Infectious Disease
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Organ Transplantation
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Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery
Its success in delivering high-quality outcomes while maintaining patient satisfaction and affordability has made it a model for healthcare systems in both developed and developing countries.
Integrated, Multidisciplinary Care
At SGH, patient care is built on a multidisciplinary team model. This means doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, and researchers collaborate closely to develop and deliver personalized care plans. This holistic approach is especially important for complex conditions like cancer, stroke, or multi-organ failure, where seamless coordination between specialties significantly improves patient outcomes.
The hospital also operates on a team-based “Academic Clinical Program” (ACP) model, where education, clinical care, and research are integrated to ensure continuous improvement and innovation.
A Leader in Infectious Disease and Public Health
SGH played a critical role during global health emergencies such as SARS in 2003 and the COVID-19 pandemic, setting benchmarks for infection control and crisis management. Its National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), while separate, works closely with SGH in containment, treatment, and research on infectious diseases.
The hospital’s robust infection control protocols and rapid response systems have made it one of the safest environments for patients and staff alike.
Medical Education and Training
SGH is a teaching hospital affiliated with Duke-NUS Medical School, a partnership between Duke University (USA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). It also partners with other top institutions to train doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
With more than 2,000 medical students and residents trained annually, SGH is at the heart of Singapore’s medical education system. It offers:
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Residency programs in all major specialties
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Fellowship training
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Continuing medical education (CME)
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Clinical simulation training through advanced facilities
The hospital’s Postgraduate Allied Health Institute is also highly regarded for training professionals in rehabilitation, medical imaging, and more.
Commitment to Research and Innovation
SGH is home to several world-class research institutes, including the Singapore Clinical Research Institute and SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre. These institutes collaborate on translational research, aiming to bring discoveries from the lab to the bedside.
Research areas include:
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Cancer genomics
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Stem cell therapy
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Biomedical engineering
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Artificial intelligence in diagnostics
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Population health and aging
SGH also participates in clinical trials that offer patients access to novel treatments not yet widely available, particularly in oncology, hematology, and rare diseases.
Patient-Centered Experience
What truly sets SGH apart is its emphasis on empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity. The hospital has multilingual staff, interpretation services, and systems designed to cater to patients from various backgrounds. It also offers financial counseling, psychological support, and social services.
SGH emphasizes comfort and dignity in care, offering services that make both outpatient and inpatient experiences smooth and supportive. Whether it’s same-day surgery, rehabilitation, or chronic care management, SGH ensures minimal disruption to the patient’s life.
Smart Technology and Sustainability
SGH is also a pioneer in digital transformation and green healthcare. The hospital uses:
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Electronic Health Records (EHR) for seamless data sharing
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AI-driven diagnostic tools
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Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring
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Mobile apps for appointment scheduling and follow-ups
The new SGH campus currently under development will focus on sustainability, smart infrastructure, and automation, creating a healthcare environment of the future.
International and Regional Impact
SGH is a sought-after destination for medical tourism, especially from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Through SingHealth Global Health Institute, SGH also supports training and capacity-building for healthcare professionals in other countries, helping to raise the standard of care regionally.
Conclusion
With a proud legacy, relentless innovation, and a human-centered approach, Singapore General Hospital is not just a hospital—it is a pillar of global healthcare excellence. It combines world-class clinical care, cutting-edge research, and top-tier education to shape the future of medicine in Asia and beyond.