Doctor's in, but prognosis is for a slow recovery amid weak medical tourism

Regional rivalry had already cut patients from abroad before pandemic; providers now going overseas and money also going into telehealth now

Published Tue, Jul 28, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Healthcare

Singapore

THE resumption of more healthcare services has been a shot in the arm for hospital and clinic operators, as domestic demand picks up. But a recovery will be gradual due to the loss of earnings from medical tourism, as well early restrictions on healthcare services.

The easing of "circuit-breaker" measures has meant the return of various non-essential healthcare services such as aesthetics and adult vaccination. Patient volumes at hospitals and clinics have received a signficant boost, say industry players.

Q&M Dental Group said its patient numbers fell 60 per cent over the circuit-breaker period, from an average of 35,000 a month.

It was therefore a "huge relief" when elective treatments were allow…