Professor Preethi Kesavan, Director of Studies and Head, School of Advanced Technology and Digital Media at the London School of Business and Finance Singapore, analyses the Singaporean perspective on science and technology in advancing global healthcare
Singapore is consistently ranked among the best healthcare systems globally. Its hospitals and clinics are known for their cutting-edge medical technologies, highly qualified professionals, and excellent patient outcomes. Singapore’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a convenient healthcare destination for patients from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and even beyond Asia.
Medical costs in Singapore are generally transparent, and its healthcare system is well-regulated, instilling confidence in international patients. In recent years, Singapore has set its position as a global leader in medical tourism and healthcare innovation. The citystate’s ability to merge cutting-edge technology with world-class healthcare facilities and luxury experiences has made it a preferred destination for patients worldwide. In 2025, Singapore’s efforts have reached new heights, setting a benchmark for integrated healthcare services.
Singapore strongly focuses on integrating technology into healthcare, such as AI diagnostics and robotic surgeries. This attracts patients seeking the latest medical advancements. The city-state has invested in facilities like medical suite hotels, blending healthcare with high-end hospitality, a concept attractive to international patients who can afford premium services.
Singapore excels in specific fields like oncology, cardiology, fertility treatments, and advanced surgeries, drawing patients for specialised care unavailable or less reliable in their home countries.
Singapore’s medical tourism industry
Singapore’s medical tourism industry has grown significantly in recent years, contributing notably to the nation’s economy. Singapore’s reputation as a healthcare destination is built on its high standards of medical care, skilled professionals, and transparent systems. In 2024 alone, medical tourism contributed significantly to the nation’s economy, drawing patients from across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Key offerings include specialised treatments in oncology, cardiology, and orthopaedics, as well as state-of-the-art cosmetic and wellness services. Its advanced medical capabilities and the seamless experience it provides international patients sets Singapore apart. The patient journey is meticulously curated, from visa facilitation to personalised treatment plans, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
A significant innovation in Singapore’s medical tourism industry is the rise of medical suite hotels. These hybrid facilities combine the best aspects of luxury hotels and healthcare centres, offering a unique recovery environment for patients. Located within or adjacent to hospitals, these suites provide a serene and private space for post-treatment recovery, equipped with advanced monitoring systems and on-demand medical support.
The integration of luxury services with healthcare not only boosts revenue but also creates jobs across multiple sectors, from hospitality to technology. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient hospital designs and waste reduction initiatives, aligns with Singapore’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
Medical technology in Singapore
For example, new facilities launched in 2025 feature AI-driven patient monitoring, robotic caregivers, and personalised rehabilitation programs. Singapore’s healthcare sectors, hospitals and clinics have adopted artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and speed. For example, Tan Tock Seng Hospital uses AI algorithms to analyse radiological scans, such as X-rays and MRIs, to detect anomalies like tumours or fractures precisely.
These systems reduce human error and significantly expedite the diagnostic process. AI tools deployed at institutions like the National University Health System (NUHS) predict the likelihood of conditions such as diabetes or hypertension based on patient history, enabling early interventions and implementing Predictive Analytics in Chronic Disease Management.
Robotic systems have become a cornerstone of surgical innovation in Singapore, offering unparalleled precision and minimising recovery times. Examples include the da Vinci Surgical System, which is widely used in Singaporean hospitals for minimally invasive procedures such as prostatectomies, hysterectomies, and colorectal surgeries.
Surgeons operate robotic arms with enhanced precision, reducing incision sizes and post-operative pain. Mako® robotic-arm assisted surgery was deployed for orthopaedic procedures like knee and hip replacements at institutions such as Mount Elizabeth Hospital. This system allows surgeons to plan and execute surgeries with millimetre-level accuracy, preserving healthy bone and tissue.
In 2025, these technologies are complemented by real-time monitoring systems, where wearable health devices feed data into AI platforms, allowing doctors to track patient progress even after discharge. This approach ensures continuity of care for international patients who return home post-treatment, demonstrating Singapore’s commitment to blending technology with patient-centric services.
Singapore’s healthcare advancements
While the benefits of Singapore’s healthcare advancements are undeniable, they also raise important ethical and economic considerations. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare remains a priority, as the influx of international patients could strain resources for local residents. To address this, the government has implemented policies to balance medical tourism with domestic healthcare needs, ensuring that Singaporeans continue to receive high-quality care.
As Singapore continues to innovate, it is setting an example for neighbouring countries and the global community. The success of its medical tourism model demonstrates the potential of integrating technology, luxury, and healthcare to create a holistic patient experience.
In conclusion, Singapore’s approach to medical tourism in 2025 represents a fusion of advanced technology, luxurious care, and ethical governance. As the world looks for models to emulate, Singapore offers an experience of how innovation can transform healthcare into an experience that is not only efficient but also extraordinary.
