Introduction
The Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic (SBFC) has been providing free healthcare services to the underprivileged in Singapore since 1988. With its head office located at 16 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150016, the SBFC offers a wide range of medical, dental, and traditional Chinese medicine services to those in need.
Mission and Vision
The SBFC’s mission is to “provide free and compassionate healthcare to the needy and disadvantaged in Singapore.” Its vision is to “create a society where everyone has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial or social status.”
Services Offered
The SBFC offers a wide range of services, including:
- Medical services: General consultation, chronic disease management, health screening, vaccinations, and specialist referrals
- Dental services: General dentistry, oral surgery, and dental hygiene
- Traditional Chinese medicine services: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage
Patient Eligibility
To be eligible for services at the SBFC, patients must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
- Be unable to afford private healthcare
- Have a valid referral from a social service agency or medical professional
Impact and Reach
Since its inception, the SBFC has provided free healthcare services to over 1 million patients. In 2021 alone, the SBFC served over 50,000 patients and provided over 150,000 medical, dental, and TCM treatments.
Funding and Support
The SBFC is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and grants to fund its operations. The clinic receives funding from both government and private sources, including the Ministry of Health, Community Chest, and various corporate sponsors.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like any healthcare organization, the SBFC faces a number of challenges, including:
- Rising healthcare costs: The cost of providing healthcare services is constantly increasing, putting a strain on the SBFC’s budget.
- Increasing demand for services: The demand for free healthcare services is growing as the population of Singapore ages and the cost of living increases.
- Lack of volunteers: The SBFC relies on a team of volunteers to provide its services. However, finding and retaining qualified volunteers can be a challenge.
Despite these challenges, the SBFC remains committed to providing free healthcare services to those in need. The clinic is constantly exploring new ways to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and expand its services.
Conclusion
The Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic is a vital resource for the underprivileged in Singapore. The clinic provides free healthcare services to those who cannot afford private healthcare, helping to ensure that everyone in Singapore has access to quality healthcare.
Additional Information
- The SBFC is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
- The clinic is located at 16 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150016.
- To make an appointment, please call 6472 4700.
Tables
| Service | Number of Patients Served in 2021 |
|—|—|—|
| Medical Services | 28,500 |
| Dental Services | 12,500 |
| TCM Services | 10,000 |
| Total | 51,000 |
| Funding Source | Amount (SGD) |
|—|—|—|
| Ministry of Health | 2,000,000 |
| Community Chest | 1,000,000 |
| Corporate Sponsors | 500,000 |
| Donations | 200,000 |
| Total | 3,700,000 |
| Challenge | Impact on SBFC |
|—|—|—|
| Rising Healthcare Costs | Puts a strain on SBFC’s budget |
| Increasing Demand for Services | SBFC needs to find ways to increase capacity |
| Lack of Volunteers | SBFC relies on volunteers to provide its services |
| Opportunity | Potential Benefit for SBFC |
|—|—|—|
| New Funding Sources | SBFC can explore new ways to raise funds |
| Innovative Service Delivery Models | SBFC can find new ways to provide services more efficiently |
| Partnerships with Other Organizations | SBFC can collaborate with other organizations to expand its reach |
