As a doctor, after years of honing your expertise in healthcare, the natural next step is launching your own clinic. It is a bold move toward shaping your professional legacy and a necessary one.
Yes, we get it. It’s a complex process that can significantly take time, but the rewards can be substantial. Compared to what you are earning right now, you could potentially multiply your earnings by tenfold.
With the rise of digital health platforms and clinic management software, establishing and managing a clinic is much easier than before. That’s why 2025 is the ideal year to begin preparing the necessary documentation for your clinic.
Since the pandemic, there has been a push toward a smarter healthcare system, which Singapore, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure, actively promotes. In fact, healthcare now accounts for nearly 4% of Singapore’s GDP, according to the Economic Development Board.
But starting up isn’t simple as it sounds.
From navigating regulations to tech procurement, it’s a process that tests the patience of many doctors and business professionals.
Hence, to give you a head start for your journey, we at NZCares present you with a guide. It breaks down everything you’ll need to open a clinic including the rising role of clinic management software to stay ahead in Singapore’s digital-first healthcare era.
Why Start a Clinic in Singapore?
Setting up your own clinic in Singapore is a professional milestone that can prove to be smart and futuristic investment. With the country’s position as a regional healthcare leader and its booming demand for medical services, there’s no better time to make your move.
Singapore’s population is aging fast, and with that comes a rising need for general practitioners, specialists, and wellness-focused services. Add to that a growing trend of health-conscious locals and returning expats seeking quality care, which showcase private healthcare is going thrive in 2025 and beyond. So, if you want to know how to run a successful medical clinic in Singapore, read along.
Beyond local demand, Singapore’s appeal as a top medical tourism hub is stronger than ever. You can see it on the ground where patients from around the world come here to get treatment. A steady inflow of international patients is a positive sign to start clinic in Singapore.
Not only that, personal upside like control, work-life balance, income increase, and many more, is ideal for you. You have the choice to select the best clinic management system, define treatment hours, and shape the care experience yourself.
Read More: Inside Singapore’s Smart Hospital Revolution: Where SaaS is leading the Way
What Type of Clinic Is Right for You?
Before you jump right into applying for licensing forms or layouts for your clinic, you need to figure out the strategy of what type of clinic you need to run. It will help you set the tone for everything else.
There are 3 types of strategies you can engage in when starting your own: Solo Practice, Group Practice, and Takeover Clinic. Understand them wisely based on your medical background and previous work experience.
Solo Practice
If you crave independence and enjoy full control, solo practice may be your ideal path. You’ll have a complete say over how your clinic runs, from the branding and design, down to the treatments you offer and your pricing model. Every decision is yours.
The benefits are clear: autonomy, flexibility, and 100% of your profits. There’s no compromise, no split opinions, and no waiting for approval. You call the shots, pivot when needed, and scale at your own pace.
But freedom comes at a price.
You will have to bear the financial burden from day one, meaning everything from furnishing the clinic, hiring staff, marketing to managing compliance is all your responsibility. Moreover, you will run the risk of professional isolation and limited shared expertise which could lead to burnout and stress.
Group Practice
A group or partnership clinic can offer a more balanced way to build your business.
In this, you divide almost everything from costs, risks, and decision-making with your partners. They range from just a single partner to three, which helps reduce the pressure and increase the scope of services.
Your clinic will run with a combined knowledge base, shared responsibilities, and a wide range of care for your patients.
However, partnership dynamics can be tricky. Clashing visions, unequal effort, or disagreements on money and management can turn sour quickly.
Choosing the right partners is essential; it is more like finding a co-founder than just a colleague. We strongly recommend defining every term upfront in a proper partnership agreement from profit sharing to exit terms.
If you manage to find the right people, group practice can be a rewarding and financially sustainable option, with room for growth and specialization.
Takeover Clinic
Buying an existing clinic that has already established itself in the region is the fastest way to make your dream come true. It helps you avoid clinic renovation from scratch as you are already in a space that has infrastructure, existing staff, equipment, and an established customer base.
This means you can skip the initial marketing and hiring from zero. Many takeovers also come with established goodwill and community trust, which takes years to build.
That said, this option is heavily expensive. Clinics in high-demand areas often come with six-figure takeover fees, and due diligence is critical.
A thorough background check is necessary, checking online ratings, licensing history, and the state of physical assets before signing any document.
It is perfect for those individuals who have money and don’t want to encounter the clinic development process. Takeover clinics are a shortcut to healthcare market entry while still allowing full control over future direction.
Regulatory Landscape & HSA Guidelines
Singapore’s regulatory landscape is as advanced as its healthcare sector. And without considering those guidelines, you can land your newly established clinic in a lot of trouble.
To understand it fully, there are two main bodies overseeing the medical regulation, they are the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). These both agencies are behind the success of digital health and remote care revolution of Singapore.
The regulation of healthcare services is overseen by the MOH. They are regulated under the Healthcare Services Act 2020 and its subsidiary legislation. While The HSA administers and enforces the Health Products Act (HPA) and its subsidiary legislation. Telehealth products, such as medical devices, are also subject to scrutiny by the HSA.
The HSA provides guidelines for Classification of Standalone Medical Mobile Applications (SaMD) and Qualification of Clinical Decision Support Software (CDSS) to reduce risks and provide better clarity on medical devices.
What is considered a medical device in digital health?
Your clinic is going to be operated by a clinic management system like NZCares and some type of technology devices. Equipements which diagnose, treat, prevent, or monitor health conditions. They are usually identified as medical devices by the HSA.
Bonus Read: How to Choose the Best Hospital Management Software – Complete Guide
They can be AI-powered diagnostic tools, wearable health monitors, and even mobile health apps. If you are going to invest in such devices, you need to figure out the regulatory landscape or certification for these devices.
When EMR/telehealth apps need HSA classification
Not all telehealth or EMR solutions require classification. However, if your app performs clinical calculations, suggests treatment paths, or displays vital signs in real time, it might need registration under the Health Products Act.
Pre-market consultations with HSA are encouraged for such high-risk software. If you’re adopting a software clinic management tool such as NZCares, you don’t need to worry about it because it already aligns with HSA guidelines.
MOH licensing process & NEHR/HSG requirements
Before opening your clinic, you’ll need to apply for a license under the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA). Requirements include:
- Application through the MOH e-licensing portal
- Connection to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) system
- Compliance with the Healthcare Services Guidelines (HSG)
The licensing process also entails an on-site inspection that determines your clinic’s infrastructure and protocols. Make sure to keep that in mind.
Guidelines on advertising under PHMC Act
Advertisement and marketing are great for clinics to build initial trust and patient base. But it is also a slightly risky affair as it comes under the Private Hospital and Medical Clinic (PHMC Act) of Singapore.
Therefore, before putting on that Ad, ensure it is factual, professional, and not misleading. Under PHMC
- Avoid patient testimonials and dramatic claims
- Use medically accepted terms only
- Social media promotions of your medical services and treatment are legal under the PHMC Act as long as you follow ethical guidelines.
If you do not follow them, your clinic can incur penalties and suspension.
Clinic Startup Costs in Singapore
Starting a clinic in Singapore is a significant investment. It can be quite expensive in an earlier phase of development. For instance, an average estimated cost could be between SGD $80,000 to $120,000 for a solo practice clinic.
All of these costs include rent, renovation, clinic devices, licenses, clinic management software system, staff, and various other bills.
If you are buying a whole existing clinic, you can skip major expenses and headaches that come with building a clinic from scratch.
Loan Options vs Investor Equity
| Feature | Bank Loan | Investor Equity |
| Ownership | You retain full ownership | Shared ownership with investor |
| Repayment | Fixed monthly repayments + interest | No monthly repayment, share profit instead |
| Risk | Full risk on you | Risk is shared |
| Funding Speed | Faster to obtain | Slower – requires due diligence |
| Flexibility | Less flexibility in repayment | Flexible terms, if negotiated well |
Cost-Saving Tip for Your New Clinic
- Pay Only for What You Need: Avoid paying for things you are not going to need for your clinic.
- Scalable Plans: Begin with essential services and scale as you grow.
- No Heavy Setup Costs: Do initially buy heavy medical devices or systems like server rooms. Use cloud-based setups like NZCares clinic management software to reduce upfront infrastructure costs.
- Smart Automation: NZCares is also equipped with an automatic queue management module, and it does smart billing, and records management.
Your Clinic Business Plan Essentials
A clinic is more than a healthcare space; it is a structure that is built on services, workflow, people, and expertise. You need to define that structure by building a well-detailed business plan to lay a solid foundation for achieving long-term outcomes.
At a minimum, your business strategy should include the following:
- Vision, Mission, Service Offering
Your clinic need to represent a mission and a vision, so, general people can recognize you in the market. Where you are aiming, why you exist, what do you offer are all part of your clinic’s identity. Make sure to comprehensively explain your healthcare services, such as general practice, specialty care, or physiotherapy. Because it helps attract the right patient demographic to your clinic.
- Financial Projections & Break-even Timeline
You should calculate initial investments, operational cost, and revenue streams every month. A clearly defined break-even timeline could potentially keep you on track and soon turn your clinic into a profit-generating business. Consider:
- Yearly budget forecast
- Cash flow plan
- Expense breakdown
- Revenue assumptions
NZCares clinic management system can be of great help for future predictions. It analyses monthly revenue, appointments, and other expenses to give you an idea about the future. Moreover, you can make quick decisions based on these projections.
- Marketing Strategy (Aligned with PHMC Compliance): Plan your online and offline marketing within legal guidelines:
- Use educational, not promotional, content
- Create a compliant website and Google Business Profile
- Partner with healthcare agents for inbound patient traffic
Don’t add fake testimonials, misleading claims, and excessive promotions; the MOH could flag you under PHMC compliance.
- Operational Strategy
- Use cloud-based clinic management software
- Automate patient appointments and queue management
- Digitize billing, invoicing, and EMR
- Track inventory and staff schedules seamlessly
Picking a Location & Managing Renovation
The location of any type of business matters and clinics are also a part of it.
A well-located clinic has a continuous flow of patient footfall and is advantageous for regulatory approval. So, before incorporating your clinic in documentation, finalize the location as there are other safety approvals that you’ll need to secure.
Start by confirming your chosen unit is URA-zoned for commercial use. Next, build your clinic space in a way that meets SCDF guidelines for fire safety certifications.
If making any structural changes like building from scratch, get the approval from Ministry of Health’s Central Licensing Branch (CLB) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Rental prices vary widely. In the central business district (CBD), you may pay SGD 15–20 psf monthly, which works out to SGD 7.5K–10K for a small 500 sq ft clinic. In suburban areas, it falls to about 5–12 psf (SGD 2.5K–6K). Choose your spot based on patient traffic and budget, not prestige.
Once the space is confirmed, set aside budget for medical furnishings, waiting areas, lighting, and compliance modifications. Your clinic should include proper equipment like autoclaves, ECG machines, printers, reception counters, and even queue screens.
To simplify setup and connect all these medical devices to the workflow, consider using a clinic management system like NZCares.
From appointment scheduling to queue management and billing, it covers everything. It’s modular, efficient, and budget-conscious. It is designed for startups like yours.
Staffing & Team Setup
With the right space and strategy in place, now, you can start thinking about building your dream team. All your healthcare strategies, business plans, daily flow, patient care, and even your MOH approval time depend on having the right people in the clinic.
Their roles and responsibilities are going to be key to success.
- Define key roles early
Hire people that have prior experience in their key roles and define their task beforehand. For instance, Clinic Manager to lead operations, Nurses for care, Assistants for support, Secretary for front-desk, and an Accountant for finances.
- Understand salary structures & legal contributions
When designing salary structures for the staff, consider CPF, levies, and MOM guidelines. Don’t forget mandatory employer contributions.
- Give Weight to Skills
Select professionals who know compliance, give importance to patient care, and are adaptable to working on digital tools. Bonus if they’re familiar with clinic management software.
- Implement role-based access
Not everyone should access everything. Use a clinic management system that allows smart, role-specific permissions for patient safety and data control.
The CMS Decision: What Makes or Breaks Your Clinic Efficiency
You’ve locked in your location, staffing, and business plan, but how do you hold all of it together seamlessly?
The answer lies with clinic management software (CMS). This is your clinic’s digital nervous system, and getting it right is essential to daily operations, compliance, and patient care.
Why CMS Efficiency Is a Make-or-Break Factor
As mentioned before, CMS is your brain and nervous system of clinic. Here, you can store data, do compliance checks, study analytics, and manage daily billing. It automates repetitive tasks, sync departments (group clinic), and flag issues.
CMS is your ticket to achieving optimal efficiency of the clinic. And without it, your clinic is just a regular one with no workflow and paperwork all over the place. This results in billing issues, missed consultations, and overall bad patient experience.
Therefore, clinic management software is essential, but consider these features before selecting the right one.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Securely store patient histories, prescriptions, allergies, and charts in one click.
- Smart Appointment Bookings: Handle walk-ins and online bookings with ease. Fill last-minute cancellations automatically with waitlisted patients.
- Queue Management: Eliminate waiting chaos with smart queue tracking and real-time patient status.
- Billing & Payments: Automate invoices, track payments, and integrate with insurance where needed.
- Lab Integrations: Directly send/receive test orders and results with partnered labs.
CMS Compliance Checklist
- NEHR-Ready
Your CMS system must support seamless NEHR submission formats.
- Healthier SG Compatibility
Ensure secure two-way data sync with national wellness platforms.
- Role-Based Access & Audit Trail
Keep logs of every edit that occurred in the system as it’s required for MOH inspections and legal traceability.
- PDPA-Compliant Data Encryption
Use encryption to protect sensitive patient data such names, address, payment details, etc.
- HSA Aligned (If Modules Are Regulated)
If you use AI or clinical decision tools, confirm HSA classification or exemption.
Why NZCares Fits Perfectly
The CMS system developed by NZCares is highly advanced compared to its competitors. It uses artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to ease the operation and automate tasks that don’t require much human intervention. It strengthens digital health delivery and supports your clinic from day one.
- AI-ready modules for auto-coding, smart analytics, and treatment recommendations
- NEHR & HSG built-in compliance out of the box
- HSA-aligned features with pre-classified decision tools
- MOH inspection dashboard for smooth audits
- Modular design, meaning, you can start with your needs and scale the system later at an affordable cost.
- Dedicated Singapore-based support
If software clinic management is your backbone, then NZCares makes sure it is strong, smart, and future-ready.
MOH Inspection & License Approval Process
Once your clinic is nearly operational, there’s one critical hurdle left: the MOH inspection. You need to pass the MOH inspection to obtain the clinic license. If you are well-prepped for the inspection, it could quickly track the licensing process.
Your first job is getting your documentation in order. MOH expects a well-organized submission package:
- Floor plans with room labels and equipment layout
- ACRA profile
- NEA sanitation licenses
- SCDF Fire Safety Certificate
- Clinic lease or ownership documents
- Waste disposal contracts (biomedical waste especially)
- Clinic management software setup confirmation
License Timeline & Approval Period
If everything is considered correct and in place, the entire licensing process takes 4–8 weeks from inspection to approval. Expect the following steps:
- Site Inspection by MOH team
- Review period for submitted documents
- Follow-up requests (if gaps are found)
- License issuance after compliance confirmation
The inspection results will be shared within a week. You need to be ready for any revisions mentioned in the inspection report and update them on the MOH portal.
MOH licenses are valid for a two-year period. You need to renew them when it expires.
Why CMS Must Be Installed Before Inspection
During your inspection, MOH often checks if your clinic management software is already active. Why?
- To validate real-time appointment & EMR functionality
- To confirm you’re NEHR-ready from Day 1
- To demonstrate secure data handling under PDPA
- To show billing, inventory, and queue modules work smoothly
Waiting to install your CMS after inspection is a mistake. Have your system demo ready to make a great first impression.
Lab & Specialist Integrations
A step many clinics owners skip is integrating labs and specialists. It is an expensive state of affairs for startup clinics. But even if your clinic is not going to have its own lab, you need to rely on third-party diagnostics.
Partnering with Labs in Singapore
Whether it’s Quest, Parkway, Reste, or Eurofins, partnering is simple if you start early.
- Register as a referring clinic with the lab of your choice.
- Sign a data-sharing and logistics agreement.
- Decide on how results are delivered via API, HL7, or secure file exchange.
- Set test turnaround expectations and SLAs.
These labs offer courier services and e-reports that integrate well with digital health platforms.
How NZCares Streamlines Lab Integration
NZCares supports direct CMS-lab syncing on the above platforms. It saves time, improves care, and boosts accuracy. With automatic test orders, result uploads, and alerts, everything flows into your patient records instantly.
Advantages of NZCares’ lab integration:
- No manual uploads or email-based reports
- Real-time results update in patient EMR
- Auto-link lab codes with test histories
- Fully traceable & PDPA-secure exchange
Wrapping Up
You are already ahead of the most first-time clinic owners if you’ve followed the blog so far, from planning and compliance to staffing and smart CMS systems.
But, only going from blog to blog will not take you anywhere. Setting clinic practice will only take place when you involve yourself in careful planning, strict adherence to MOH standards, and investing in the right people.
Because clinics startups that take a structured and tech-oriented approach, get the benefits of better approval timelines, smoother patient onboarding, and long-term sustainability.
If you’re wondering how to keep your operations smooth while staying compliant, that’s where NZCares steps in. We equip your clinic with powerful automation, seamless documentation tools, and a secure clinic management system that supports you during audits, patient care, and every step of the clinic journey.