200 Years and Beyond

Chapter 6 - 200 years and beyond

SGH has undergone numerous transformations since its establishment nearly 200 years ago to keep up with the needs of Singaporeans. The iconic Bowyer Block, a national monument in recognition of its national significance and rich history, is a standing reminder of how far we have come in advancing patient care.

It was gazetted as a national monument in 2009, a testament to Singapore healthcare’s British roots as well as healthcare’s significant contribution to the nation. While the British laid principles and standards for military-type healthcare as well as provided the earliest medical professionals, the post-war and post-independent years saw Singaporeans contributing to healthcare and its infrastructural development keeping pace with the world.

Today, SGH is the largest hospital in Singapore with nearly 1,800-beds and over 10,000 healthcare workers providing care for more than 1 million patients annually. It is also a teaching hospital and a nodal point for clinical research.

SGH Campus Masterplan

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiling the SGH Campus Master Plan in 2016

In 2016, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the SGH Campus Master Plan for Singapore’s largest healthcare hub. Designed to meet the nation’s future healthcare needs, this 43-hectare site will see an upgraded SGH.

While we upgrade, we will where possible also preserve or re-purpose some of our old buildings to remind us of our heritage

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
on the occasion of SGH Campus’s masterplan launch, 6 Feb 2016

Anticipating the healthcare needs of Singapore, the SGH Campus Master Plan provide an environment that supports the latest models of care that are holistic, multidisciplinary and teambased with integration across the whole spectrum of care.

The SGH Campus of the future will be Singapore’s largest medical campus when completed. It will provide patients with healthcare that is easily accessible, integrated and seamlessly connected to cutting-edge research and education, translating to better health outcomes for patients.

Designed to deliver a seamless continuum of care, the resulting vibrant healthcare ecosystem will also drive a world-class Academic Medical Centre that will define healthcare for Singapore.

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.

Walking With The Nation

As the country was gripped by events like Konfrontasi, the Maria Hertogh riots, the Pulau Senang prison riot and the Hock Lee Bus protests, SGH continued to treat their respective victims.

200 Years And Beyond

SGH has undergone numerous transformations since its establishment nearly 200 years ago to keep up with the needs of Singaporeans. The iconic Bowyer Block, a National Monument in recognition of its national significance and rich history, is a standing reminder of how far we have come in advancing patient care.