Singapore has one of the best healthcare services and facilities, and as a foreigner or expat in Singapore there are various types of medications that you should know. Whether you are incorporating a company or moving to Singapore, understanding the healthcare system in Singapore is crucial.
Types of Medications
As per the government guidelines, there are three types of medications in Singapore:
Prescription-Only Medicine
- Requires a doctor’s or health expert’s prescription else it cannot be sold
Pharmacy-Only Medication
- Only available at certain drug stores and sold by qualified pharmacists
Besides these 3 types of medications, you also have the option of getting Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How to Import Drugs into Singapore
Should your drugs or medicine are not available in Singapore, you may need to import them over. However, do take note that:
The medications’ ingredients do not include those in the ‘Controlled Substance’ or ‘Prohibited Items’ list
Evidence to support the legality of bringing over these medications to Singapore is required
TIP: Check if your medication is eligible for import according to the anti-narcotics law in Singapore here!
Necessary paperwork and details of the medication will be required to apply for an official Import Permit. Some details may include:
Health complications
Doctor’s prescription
Dosage
Controlled Medications
There are also controlled medications in Singapore. These are drugs that contain psychotropic or addictive components and not anyone can dispense it. Find out if your medication is controlled with the Health Science Authority. If you are looking for the list of import restrictions, you can read more about them here.
Locating a Health Facility
Health facilities are strategically located around Singapore. Here’s a quick list of some private and public hospitals in Singapore:
Private Hospitals
- Mount Elizabeth Hospital – https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/
- Raffles Hospital – https://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/
- Gleneagles Hospital – https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/
- Mouth Alvernia Hospital – https://mtalvernia.sg/
- Parkway East Hospital – https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/
Public Hospitals
- Singapore General Hospital – https://www.sgh.com.sg/
- Changi General Hospital – http://www.cgh.com.sg/pages/home.aspx
- National University Hospital – http://www.nuh.com.sg/Pages/Home.aspx
- Institute of Mental Health – https://www.imh.com.sg/
- National Dental Centre – https://www.ndcs.com.sg/
- Singapore National Eye Centre – https://www.snec.com.sg/
You may visit the Ministry of Health website for the entire list of the types of health facilities, such as GP Clinics, Polyclinics, and more.
When it comes to moving to Singapore, whether to live, for work, or even set up a business in Singapore, there are many considerations before making the right decision. Talk to us and see how we can help make the transition seamless for you!
FAQs
Foreign prescriptions are not valid in Singapore. You will need to visit a doctor in Singapore to receive a new prescription.
No approval from the authorities is needed if you are bringing your personal medications while in Singapore only for transit.
Yes, but it is subjected to additional security checks. You must also declare to the airport security personnel and provide supporting documents for the prescribed drug(s).
Yes. You will need to apply for approval at least 10 days in advance if you want to bring in more than 3 months’ worth of personal medications into Singapore.
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