SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Saturday (Dec 26) that it has ordered Concord International Hospital to temporarily stop the provision of all healthcare services with effect from Dec 19, after the authorities found “several significant lapses” in its practices.

The ministry's inspections from Dec 14 to 16 found that the private hospital along Adam Road had failed to abide by the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act in several areas that would have an impact on patient safety.

“Multiple life-saving or patient-use equipment and medications were either not maintained or not available in the critical areas of the hospital such as the intensive care unit and the operating theatre,” MOH said. 

“There was also a lack of quality control in the laboratory and infection control processes, which poses significant risks to patient safety and well-being.”

MOH said that it is working closely with the hospital to review its lapses and processes. 

As of Dec 19, the hospital had ongoing outpatient medical appointments with four patients.

No patients were warded at the Hospital. 

“MOH would like to remind all private and public sector healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and clinical laboratories currently licensed under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act, to fully comply with the Act at all times, to ensure that safety and quality of clinical care are met at all times,” it said. 

“All licensed premises are subject to regular and ad-hoc inspections and audits to ensure compliance to the Act. MOH will not hesitate to take enforcement action against healthcare facilities that fail to comply with the relevant regulatory requirements, which may include a fine of up to S$20,000 or a revocation of the licence, or both.”

In March, Concord International Hospital became one of the first private hospitals here to take in Covid-19 patients whose conditions are not serious so as to free up capacity in public hospitals to manage more severe cases.

MOH advises patients who are now seeking care at Concord International Hospital to speak with their existing doctors to discuss alternative care plans at other licensed healthcare facilities for the time being. 

Those who intend to seek medical care in the hospital are also advised to do so at alternative licensed healthcare facilities in the meantime. 

Affected patients who have queries may reach the ministry via MOH_QSM [at] moh.gov.sg.