Zhi Hao, Author at Goody Feed

To many citizens around the world, medical assistance is considered a privilege, a luxury. And it figures; with overwhelming demand and underwhelming supply, one should consider it a blessing if he/she gets medical treatment in time. Such is the reality of life. Yet, what if I tell you that over here in Singapore, there's a hospital that's always on hand to provide medical support, no matter the time or condition you roll up in? Or more specifically... What if I tell you that instead of waiting for the doctor, the doctor waits for you? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I know that sounds hard to believe, but the fact's that there's indeed such a hospital in Singapore. High-cost and low-key in nature, this establishment's none other than... Image: farrerpark.com Farrer Park Hospital. Editor: What? Farrer Park Hospital. Editor: There's such a hospital? Yeah, apparently. Editor: Well, I learnt something new today. Farrer Park Hospital According to The Straits Times, Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore's first "mediplex" comprising hospital, hotel, shops and medical centre (which cost a whopping $800 million and five years to build), is still alien to most despite having opened for three years. Image: farrerpark.com And if you were to put it into statistics, the situation's all the more alarming. Half its wards are still empty; the A&E department has a seemingly "leisurely" air about it, while nearly half of the 189 medical suites that house clinics remain vacant. In fact, on most weeks, the hospital gets just 50 to 60 patients. Originally announced as the ideal location for medical tourists, Farrer Park Hospital, which was largely funded by Indonesian tycoon Low Tuck Kwong, has since fallen short in its expectations and is now opening in phases to keep operating costs low. It's relatively unknown too To understand just how unknown the hospital is to the public, one should look at the story of a Ms Serene Chow, who happened to be interviewed by The Straits Times. Having experienced intense abdominal pain one night earlier this month, Ms Chow was rushed to Mount Alvernia Hospital, only to find out that it was full. In fact, every hospital was full, save for one: Farrer Park Hospital. And apparently, Ms Chow has never heard of it. "The nurse called other hospitals and said Mount Elizabeth and Gleneagles, too, were packed," recalled Ms Chow. Only Farrer Park Hospital had a bed for her. "I told her I have never heard of that hospital. Its location sounded ulu to me. But my stomach was so painful, I didn't have a choice." Doctor Waits For Patient It was almost midnight when Ms Chow arrived at Farrer Park in an ambulance. Apparently, a doctor was already waiting at the entrance of the accident & emergency (A&E) department. "At other hospitals, it was always the patient waiting for the doctor, but at Farrer Park, it was the doctor waiting for the patient." When Chow eventually returned to work, the 46-year-old hairstylist told her colleagues and customers about her experience in Farrer Park Hospital. Only one of them knew about it. "But none of them, except for one, has heard about Farrer Park. Even my insurance agent didn't know about it!" And lest you're wondering, it's not just Ms Chow & Co. who were confused as well. Even Netizens didn't know about the place. Image: Reddit Now, that's what I call a hidden gem. Hidden Gem Despite the lack of publicity, however, it seems that Farrer Park Hospital boasts a service that's quite contrary to its 'fame'. Image: farrerpark.com "I felt very comfortable during my three-day stay there," Ms Chow said, describing her stay in positive terms: experienced doctors, attentive nurses and very clean equipment and premises. And Netizens concurred as well. Image: Reddit Image: Reddit Some, however, put the efficiency down to a lack of patients. Image: Reddit And while it's not exactly the nicest of compliments, they did make a valid point. How efficient would the hospital be, should it be fully booked? I guess we'll have to wait to find out. Thus far, however, the hospital's lack of patients has been attributed to three main points: Location Lack of publicity Lack of medical tourists As such, one should expect the occupancy rate to increase, once the advertising gets out. When that'll happen, however, is really up to them.

Zhi Hao

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