Anesthetics in Singapore

Anesthetics are a medication that causes temporary loss of sensation or awareness. They are used during tests and surgical operations to prevent patients from feeling pain and discomfort, keeping them comfortable and enabling a wide range of medical procedures to be performed. 

There are several types of anesthetic, including:

• A general anesthetic puts you in a sleep-like state, preventing you from feeling any pain. You will be unaware of your surgery, do not move, or feel anything while it is carried out. It is mainly used for major surgeries, such as heart surgeries and knee and hip replacement. 
• Local anesthetics will numb a small area of your body, but you will not lose consciousness, meaning you will be fully awake during the procedure. They are commonly used in minor surgery, such as stitching a deep cut, wisdom tooth removal, or a skin biopsy. However, they can also be used to treat painful conditions or relieve pain after surgery. In some cases, they may be used for major surgery that requires you to be awake, such as awake craniotomy.
• Regional anesthetic works the same way local anesthetic does by numbing a specific area of your body while you stay awake. However, it numbs a larger part of the body. It is usually used for orthopedic surgery on an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
• The epidural anesthetic is a type of regional anesthetic. It is usually used to numb the lower half of the body, such as during childbirth. It can also be used to help control pain after major surgery to the chest or belly.
• A spinal anesthetic is another type of regional anesthetic. It is used to give total numbness to the lower parts of the body, such as in the lower back or the base of the spine. It is commonly used during arthroplasty, joint replacement, vascular surgery on the legs, and hemorrhoidectomy.
• Sedation is a medication that relaxes you mentally and physically and often makes you feel sleepy. It is used to keep you calm during minor, unpleasant, or painful procedures and is often used with a regional or local anesthetic to help you feel calm. 

Anesthetics are given by an anesthetist (doctors who have received specialist training in anesthesia) in a number of ways, including as a gas you breathe in, as an injection into a vein, or as an ointment, spray, or drops.

How Long Should I Stay in Singapore?

With local anesthetics, you should be able to leave the hospital on the same day. If your surgery involves a general anesthetic, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. In general, plan to stay in Singapore for at least 2 to 14 days. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time depends on your specific situation, the type of surgery you have, and the type of anesthetic used. The effects of local anesthetic usually wear off in a few hours. General anesthetics may affect your memory, reflexes, and concentration for a day or two. It is generally recommended that you take time off work for at least a week or two, but, again, it depends on the type of surgery you undergo.

What Aftercare is Required?

Specific instruction will be given by your doctor, which may include food and activity restrictions. It is important to follow all of these instructions closely. Although the instruction will be tailored to your specific condition, you may be advised to avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or signing any legal documents for a few days.

What's the Success Rate?

Undergoing surgery and receiving anesthesia is safer today than ever before. Thanks to continuing advancement in equipment, medication, and training, serious problems are becoming rarer. However, this does not mean that there are zero risks. Although very rare, all types of medical procedures carry a potential risk, such as nerve damage and an allergic reaction to the anesthetic medication.

Are there Alternatives?

There are no alternatives to anesthetics. Without anesthetics, surgeries can be very painful and dangerous. Also, some surgeries would not be possible to be carried out without anesthetics. 

Anesthetics in and around Singapore

About Singapore

Singapore is a small, yet beautiful island city-state in South East Asia. The country's growth and prosperity in terms of infrastructure and economy are astounding and Singapore is affluent and tax-friendly and its GDP is on par with developed European nations.

Singapore is a global center for education, technology, tourism, trade, logistics, and healthcare. Medical expenses in Singapore are expensive when compared to Thailand and India. Yet, the country attracts medical tourists with its cleanliness, world-class medical infrastructure, and facilities. A C-section will cost anywhere between $6,048 and $11,267 in Singapore. Hip replacements can cost around $8,550-$12,850 and breast lump removal will cost you $5,459-$10,700 including a private room.

The country has 15 JCI accredited hospitals and medical centers, which offer a variety of services from orthopedics, dermatology, dental, cardiology, ophthalmology, and cosmetic procedures to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and Ayurveda. English-speaking medical professionals are extremely skilled and experienced. The hospitals in Singapore have access to cutting edge technologies and it is the best country to treat life-threatening, complex conditions.

It is advisable for medical tourists to have an International Health Insurance Plan to cover surgical costs. Most of the reputed hospitals in Singapore will only admit foreign patients with health insurance.

Medical care in Singapore is not just about getting preventive care and treatments for medical conditions that one may have. Some of the health care centers in Singapore are super luxurious and you can even order your food and shop using wireless tablets provided and make use of the nearby spas. Popular Hospitals and Clinics are the Farrer Park Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Parkway East Hospital, and Thomson Medical Centre.

Popular parts of Singapore

Singapore is home to over 5.5 million people and its cultural diversity is displayed in the extensive ethnic cuisine and major festivals. Singapore ranks number ten in the world for skyscrapers.

• Sentosa: Each of Sentosa’s three beaches: Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong—hold their own unique charms. Palawan beach’s islets and playgrounds are great spaces for families to unwind. Resorts World Sentosa is home to several amazing experiences. Take a movie-themed ride at Universal Studios Singapore, or immerse yourself in aquatic adventures at the S.E.A. Aquarium.
• Marina Bay: If you wish to explore the extravagant side of Singapore, visit the stunning, Marina Bay. The Nightlife is amazing with glittering lights, glitzy rooftop bars, and restaurants. Marina Bay is the central and the busiest district of Singapore.
• Chinatown: You can experience an impressive blend of traditional and modern Singapore in Chinatown. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museums and plenty of opportunities to soak up the busy streets which are full of old shophouses. It is the perfect location for traditional cuisine and you will be spoilt for choice.
• Orchard: The 2 km long Orchard Road is a shopper’s paradise as you will find large shopping malls and designer’s stores. Singapore’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Botanical Garden lies at the corner of Orchard Road.
• Joo Chiat: This neighborhood is more residential and you will find an amazing range of housing options.
• Little India: is the center of the Indian community within Singapore and is filled with multicolored shop-houses that line the streets, and various mosques and temples, and enjoy the aromas that infuse the night air when the demand for food is at its peak.

Weather and Climate in Singapore

Singapore lies close to the equator in the Southern Hemisphere. The island country has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid throughout the year which has led to a steady inflow of tourists all year round.

Singapore receives an annual rainfall of 2430 mm. An average of 167 days receives moderate to heavy rainfall. Two different monsoons: Northeast (December to March) and Southwest monsoon (May to September) accounts for the rainfall. Thunderstorms are quite common during the Southwest monsoon.

The average temperature is 31°C during the day. It is most likely that the temperature can drop to 19°C during the hours of darkness.

Getting around in Singapore

Rated as the world's best airport by Skytrax, Singapore Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in the World. The airport serves around 100 airlines, flying to 400 cities across 100 countries. You can hire a taxi or use the MRT to reach downtown Singapore.

The transport system is efficient due to the systematic and comprehensive network of roadways. The Land Transport Authority controls private vehicles and minimizes traffic congestion. Some of the common forms of transportation are:

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The MRT has a total of five lines. You can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass or EZ Link card which allows you to use the railways any number of times for two or three days. A single journey costs 0.58 USD and a train arrives every 2-3 minutes during the peak hours.
• Public buses: There are over 300 public buses to serve the locals and tourists and bus fares range from 0.58 USD to 2.07 USD.
• Taxis: are widespread in Singapore and are less expensive and metered. It can cost you 2.63 USD per km.
• Water taxis: Will take you across the beautiful River Singapore. You can visit a few tourist spots via water taxis and view the downtown from a different angle. A single journey will cost 5 USD.

Tourist Visa in Singapore

Citizens of India, China and Russia require a valid tourist visa to enter the territory of Singapore. The visa processing time is just 5 days and it is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You are allowed to stay here for a maximum of 30 days.

People from the European Union, US, Norway, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand can enter and stay for 90 days in Singapore visa-free.

Additional Information

1. Singapore dollar (S$) is the official currency of Singapore. 1 USD is equivalent to 1.36 Singapore dollars.
2. You can find ATMs close to banks, shopping malls and almost every tourist location. You can also pay by using credit and debit cards.
3. Malay is the national language of Singapore. Mandarin, English, Malay, and Tamil are the four other official languages of the country. So, almost all the locals are fluent in English.
4. Singapore is home to 10 religions. 33% of the total population practice Buddhism, followed by Christianity and Islam.
5. New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, Labour’s day, Good Friday, Deepavali, Vesak day, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas are some of the public holidays in Singapore.