History of Singapore General Hospital

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) is Singapore's first and oldest general hospital, as well as its largest. Located along Outram Road in the Outram Campus, SGH has a history that dates back to the 19th century during the British colonial era.

The origins of SGH can be traced back to a wooden shed built in 1821 near the Singapore River to provide medical care for British troops and the local population. Over the years, the hospital faced various challenges such as infrastructure issues and staff shortages. In 1843, construction of a new hospital at Pearl's Hill began, and it opened to patients in 1845. However, due to the need for land fortifications, the hospital had to be relocated to the Kandang Kerbau district in 1856.

The fifth General Hospital, opened in 1860, expanded its services to include gynaecological treatment for female patients. In 1873, a cholera outbreak led to another relocation, and the hospital was temporarily housed at Sepoy Lines. Eventually, the sixth General Hospital was built at Sepoy Lines along Outram Road and opened in 1882.

In the early 20th century, overcrowding necessitated the construction of a larger hospital at the same site. The seventh General Hospital was officially established and continued to serve the growing population.

Today, SGH remains a prominent medical institution in Singapore, providing a wide range of healthcare services and playing a vital role in medical education and research.