In August 2003, a group of highly skilled surgeons from various surgical specialties came together and formed Surgeons International Holdings, SGIH. The group comprises surgeons specializing in surgery, laparoscopy, colorectal, plastic & reconstructive surgery, cardiothoracic, neurosurgery, orthopaedic and sports medicines, ophthalmology (Eye), otorhinolaryngology (ENT), maxillo facial dental surgery, cancer surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology. SGIH embodies a comprehensive and cutting edge surgical skill and technology. Most of the surgeons have established successful practices and have been in private practice for 10 to 15 years. They were selected on merits of professionalism, dedication, skill, character and good-doctor patient relationship, with the common understanding that patient care is the top priority.
SGIH realizes the need to group together for more effective provision of surgical service with the advantage of multidisciplinary approach, optimization of skills and economy of scale to meet the medical challenge of the world today. Its foresight was on target when in October 2003, SingaporeMedicine was launched by Economic Development Board (EDB), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and International Enterprise Singapore (IE) with the aim of developing Singapore into Asia's leading medical hub.
SGIH has many advantages that make it stand out from other hospitals, institutions and medical organizations. First, it is a consolidation of established surgeons with proven track record. Secondly, it is not confined to one hospital. Hence, it is mobile and modular in nature enabling it to fit and blend into any institution or medical centre in Singapore or the region. The group has visiting rights to all private hospitals in Singapore. SGIH has the capability to operate out of day surgicentres as well. Thirdly, it is multidisciplinary in terms of surgery and besides providing surgical services it can also provide medical consultancy and transfer of technology.
Finally, SGIH can adjust to changes in the medical tourism industry best because it enjoys direct interaction with patients or medical tourists. Hence, SGIH is the most comprehensive established surgical group with the capability to regionalize and internationalize. In our opinion, SGIH has the right philosophy to be the best hope and partner of SingaporeMedicine.
Dr Lee Keen Whye