 Thong Chai Medical Institution, Singapore
Thong Chai Medical Institution, Singapore
Copyright © Timothy Tye.
Thong Chai Medical Institution is the best known Chinese charity medical centre in Singapore. The name Thong Chai means "benefitting all". The Thong Chai Medical Institution was founded in 1867, at that time, known as Tong Chay Ee Say, meaning Thong Chai Medical Society, and was then located in a small rented shophouse in Pickering Street. There, several Chinese physicians offered free medical treatment.
The present site was bought in 1892, made possible by a large endowment of Malacca-born philanthropist, Gan Eng Seng. Along with the move to this more spacious quarters, the Thong Chai Medical Society also changed its name to Thong Chai Medical Institution. On its Board of Directors are prominent pillars of the Chinese merchant society, people such as Choo Yao Lan, Choo Kwong Lan, Loh Kei Sang, Loh Chee Sang, Kwong Hang, Thong Tuck, and Choo Foo Lan.
Since its establishment, Thong Chai has faithfully provided free medical consultation, treatment and herbal medicine to the public regardless race or religion.
In recognition of its rich historical significance and excellent architecture, the Thong Chai building was gazetted as a National Monument of Singapore on 6 July 1973.
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