She flew 14,000km here to have her teeth fixed

AS MEDICAL costs climb in many parts of the world, a growing number of patients are looking outside their home countries, not only for cheaper alternatives but also to take a holiday at the same time, according to a CNN report. Many are finding such a place in Singapore. Among them, California resident Eva Dang. She decided to take a 24-hour flight over the Pacific Ocean for a dental appointment nearly 14,000km away - more specifically at Dr William Chong's Atria-Pan Dental Clinic in Singapore. With its advanced medical facilities, the city state is positioning itself to compete in the growing medical tourism industry, CNN reported. 

'It's just as good as America,' Ms Dang said. 'Doctors are very professional and caring and very attentive.' And it is cheaper too. If Ms Dang had decided to have her procedure - a new set of titanium teeth - back home, it would have set her back US$56,000 (S$91,000). In Singapore, she had to shell out only about US$41,000. But it was not the only reason to head for Singapore. She was also attracted by the thought of relaxing by the pool in a tropical climate, sampling food at the hawker stalls and catching the sights.

'We have something they might not be able to find at home,' said Dr Chan Tat Hon, Singapore Tourism Board's assistant chief executive (international) and programme director of health-care services. But Singapore is not the only country marketing medical services. Nations across Asia, like Thailand and Malaysia, are also offering medical and spa packages to attract foreign patients to stay at their hotels and hospitals. But Singapore benefits from its clean image and reputation as a regional medical centre.

Source: Straits Times, 27 February 2005