The health services industry represents an important part of Singapore’s economy. Singapore’s healthcare system is based on a partnership between the public and private sectors. It is made up of hospitals, western clinics and specialised medical services, non-western clinics, dental services and other medical services.

Clinics and other general medical services (Western)

Specialised medical services including day surgical centres

Nursing and personal care facilities (including hospices)

Medical laboratories

Radiology services

Clinical trial management services

Medical evacuation/ travel medicine services

Home healthcare services

Other medical activities nec1

¹ Not elsewhere classified

The data presented in this report were compiled from the results of the Community, Social & Personal Services and Non-Profit Organisations Surveys 2003. The objective of the surveys is to gather information on Singapore’s health services to enable in-depth analyses and understanding of the performance, structure and profile of this industry. The data and analytical findings are used extensively for the compilation of national accounts, input-output tables and other related studies. In addition, the results are used by policy makers, economic planners and academicians, business community and researchers in their work.

Introduction

The Singapore Department of Statistics conducts an annual survey on the services industries to collect a wide range of data for studies and analyses. The first survey on the services industries was conducted in 1968 for the reference year 1967 and subsequently at regular intervals. Since 1984, the inquiry was carried out on an annual basis.

The latest survey was carried out in 2004 for reference year 2003. This year, the reports will focus on seven services industries of importance to Singapore’s economy. This report on Health Services is the Department’s fifth issue in the series. A final consolidated report on The Services Sector will provide a comprehensive performance review of the entire services sector.

To date, the five reports which have been released are as follows:

The remaining two reports on the other services industries and the consolidated report are scheduled for release in the next few weeks: