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Top-tier healthcare is within reach. Why do Singaporeans still hesitate?

Confidence in the system is what moves patients from a reactive to a proactive approach to their healthcare

    • When a patient is unsure of how soon they can see a doctor, or whether a visit will cost S$200 or S$2,000, they will not have the confidence to seek the care they need, says the writer.
    • When a patient is unsure of how soon they can see a doctor, or whether a visit will cost S$200 or S$2,000, they will not have the confidence to seek the care they need, says the writer. ILLUSTRATION: PIXABAY
    Published Fri, Mar 27, 2026 · 12:00 PM

    WHEN a healthy 18-year-old woman recently discovered a small breast lump, she did what many in Singapore have been conditioned to do: she rationalised it away.

    She was busy, the lump was small, her check with Dr Google and Dr AI (artificial intelligence) told her that a small lump is not a concern for an 18-year-old, and that it would resolve on its own. She gave it no further thought.

    By the time she finally sought help, the “nothing to worry about” had become something that called for major surgery.

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