Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) is one of the oldest and most significant healthcare institutions in Singapore. Established in 1844 through the philanthropy of Tan Tock Seng, a prominent Hokkien businessman, the hospital has grown into a leading acute care and teaching hospital. Today, it serves as the flagship institution of the National Healthcare Group and plays a pivotal role in Singapore’s healthcare landscape.
Quick Facts
- Name: Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
- Location: Novena, Singapore
- Established: 1844
- Founder: Tan Tock Seng, philanthropist and businessman
- Type: Public acute care and teaching hospital
- Nearest MRT: Novena MRT Station (North-South Line)
- Affiliation: National Healthcare Group, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
- Notable Feature: Second oldest hospital in Singapore; central role in public health emergencies such as SARS in 2003
History
The hospital’s origins trace back to the generosity of Tan Tock Seng, who donated funds in 1844 to build a hospital for the poor in Singapore. The original building was located at Pearl’s Hill before moving to various sites, eventually settling at its present-day location in Novena in 1909. Over the decades, TTSH has expanded significantly, transforming from a charitable institution into one of the largest multidisciplinary hospitals in the country1.
TTSH has been at the forefront of several critical public health challenges. Notably, it was the designated hospital during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, where its staff demonstrated resilience and dedication under extraordinary circumstances2.
Location and Accessibility
The hospital is situated in the Novena area, which has developed into a major medical hub known as HealthCity Novena. This integrated healthcare precinct brings together hospitals, research institutions, and education centres, making TTSH the anchor institution in the cluster.
Nearest MRT Stations
TTSH is also well served by buses and is easily reached via the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) and Central Expressway (CTE), ensuring convenient access for patients and visitors alike.
Facilities and Services
TTSH provides a comprehensive range of medical services, with strengths in geriatrics, rehabilitation, infectious diseases, neurology, cardiology, and orthopaedics. It also houses the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), a state-of-the-art facility built in 2019 to enhance Singapore’s preparedness for future disease outbreaks3.
In addition, the hospital has a large emergency department, advanced surgical theatres, and specialised centres for heart, brain, and joint care. Its reputation for high-quality, patient-centred care makes it a cornerstone of Singapore’s public healthcare system.
Education and Research
As a teaching hospital, TTSH is affiliated with the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University. It serves as a training ground for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. The hospital is also active in medical research, with a focus on ageing, population health, and infectious diseases4.
Community Role
TTSH has a long-standing commitment to serving the community, especially the elderly and vulnerable. Its outreach programmes include health screenings, chronic disease management, and public health education. The hospital’s ethos remains rooted in the philanthropic spirit of its founder, Tan Tock Seng.
Fun Fact
Tan Tock Seng was one of Singapore’s earliest and most respected philanthropists. Apart from founding the hospital, he contributed to the construction of Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Singaporeans.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital is 
on the Map of Hospitals in Singapore
References
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital - History
- Singapore Infopedia - Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Page Details
This page was created on 16 September 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Hospitals in Singapore pillar page
Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the Singapore Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting and living in Singapore
Here are some related articles to help you get to know Singapore better.- Cost of Living in Different Singapore Neighbourhoods (2025 Guide)
- EZ-Link Card
- Owning a Car in Singapore
- Singapore MRT Map & Guide 2025
- Singapore Postal Districts and Postcodes
- Singapore Tourist Pass
- Taking the Bus in Singapore: A Visitor's Guide
- Understanding CCR, RCR and OCR in Singapore real estate
