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Singapore making its presence felt at DHC

DUBAI — Cooperation in health education between Singapore and Dubai will soon be a reality with Singapore making its presence felt in the mega Dubai Healthcare City (DHC), said Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health, Singapore.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Sadasivan said that Singapore and Dubai are similar in several aspects. “Both are small cities with low population,” he added.

The minister also highlighted the fact that several hospitals in the UAE were outsourcing services to countries such as the US and the UK, and Singapore could be the next ideal choice.

"Singapore offers world class health facilities, but we would welcome hospitals from the UAE to outsource and choose Singapore as a choice," he added.

The minister said that it was the first time that the Singaporean government was actively taking part in the Arab Health exhibition. "We have had a strong presence in the earlier exhibitions, but this is the first time that the government is officially participating," he added.

Within Singapore’s healthcare sector, there is significant interest to strengthen the relationship with the Middle East by forging new links and partnerships.

"We also have a cultural affinity with the Middle East as around 15 per cent of our own population is Muslim. Singapore's specific appeal to patients from the region lies in its ability to provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients and their families," Sadasivan said, adding: "Nearly 250 patients a month alone are from the GCC states."

Singapore's cosmopolitan and friendly society also ensures that international patients feel at home and receive treatment which is sensitive to their cultural or religious needs.

"Singapore is Asia’s leading destination for international medical services. In 2004, more than 320,000 international patients travelled to Singapore for a whole range of medical care," he explained.