Walking with the Nation

Caring For The Nation

The story of SGH mirrors historical events in Singapore. While providing public healthcare has always been its core function, it has always responded to support the nation during its moments of great need and crisis.

In the tumultuous years leading up to independence in 1965, Singapore experienced unrest such as the Maria Hertogh race riots, Hock Lee Bus strike and riots and Konfrontasi (or Confrontation) with Indonesia, which conducted military operations in Singapore and Malaysia, in objection to the formation of Malaysia. SGH treated the victims from these incidents which resulted in deaths and injuries.

The hospital also took on the urgent task of conducting mandatory medical checks on new recruits for the nascent National Service, when compulsory conscription of male youths was introduced to quickly build Singapore’s defence force.

As the nation’s flagship hospital, SGH has always played an important role in responding to mass casualty incidents, national and regional disasters. Its Emergency Department had just opened in 1977, when it saw victims from the Spyros oil tanker explosion in 1978. It also managed the trauma victims from the Hotel New World building collapse in 1986. SGH has also constantly played a humanitarian role in the region such as responding to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004.

The Hospital’s record is an important one within the wider context of the history of medical services in Singapore. Its development has been in tandem with the social, economic and political changes that have taken place through the years. The advances and improvements in medical care through the decades …can be even more highly appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of untold struggles with inadequate funds, manpower, facilities and equipment. That SGH has always overcome adversities and obstacles is reflective of the character and resilience of the institution. This in turn is testament of the devotion, dedication and tenacity of its people.

Dr Kwa Soon Bee

Dr Kwa Soon Bee
Permanent Secretary for Health (1984-1996) & Superintendent, Medical Services, SGH (1972)
Extracted from his reflections in The First General Hospital, a publication on the 175th anniversary of SGH

The Early Years

The birth of modern Singapore is inextricably linked to the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on 28 January, 1819. Two years after his arrival, the foundation stone for the first general hospital was laid.

Settling at Sepoy Lines

The Singapore General Hospital till today is still remembered as "See Pai Poh" because of its late 19th century relocation to Sepoy Lines, which came to designate the locality around the General Hospital.

War And Awakening

The Japanese occupation forces took over the General Hospital for use by their troops in Southeast Asia.

However, the disruption from the war brought about a paradigm shift in the local medical community. With the expatriate doctors interned by the Japanese during the war, local doctors and staff assumed full responsibility in running the hospitals that continued to serve the locals. They proved themselves capable and became aware of the imperative need to unify the medical service with equal treatment of local and colonial doctors posted from Britain and India.

Envisioning Our Destiny

Just five years after gaining independence, Singapore was actively exploring avenues of economic development to ensure its sustainability. Initiatives were underway to make Singapore a liveable city, and healthcare systems and services had to keep pace with modern advances across the globe.