Chung Hwa Medical Institution

Established by the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association (SCPA), Chung Hwa Medical Institution was opened as a branch of the original Chung Hwa Free Clinic at Telok Ayer Street.

SCPA was founded by a group of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physicians in 1946 to advance TCM in Singapore. In 1952, the association opened its first clinic for the poor at Chung Shan Association. The clinic was then relocated to 202 Telok Ayer Street in 1956. In the 1970s, SCPA’s second branch in Geylang was acquired by the government, and a site in Toa Payoh was offered in exchange.

The funds for the construction of Chung Hwa Medical Institution in Toa Payoh were raised by community contributors ranging from business leaders to taxi drivers, and through means including charity sales and performances. Through these fundraising efforts, more than S$5 million was raised for the institution.

The institution’s establishment in Toa Payoh allowed it to expand into research and development for TCM specialties including acupuncture, as well as widen its medical operations. When it opened on 27 October 1978, the clinic drew more than 400 patients of different races, who received free treatment and medicine with the payment of a token consultation fee.

Today, Chung Hwa Medical Institution continues to provide low-cost, subsidised or free medical care while developing TCM specialties for various diseases and medical conditions including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The building also houses the headquarters of SCPA, a TCM college and two research institutes.