Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition affecting aging men, particularly those over 50. In Singapore, the growing elderly population has led to an increasing demand for urological services. However, the patterns of healthcare utilisation for BPH differ significantly between the public and private healthcare sectors, raising important considerations for accessibility, affordability, and continuity of care.
Public Sector: Affordable but Resource-Constrained
Singapore’s public healthcare system offers subsidised services, making it a preferred option for many older adults managing chronic conditions like BPH. Patients typically begin their journey at polyclinics, where they are referred to public hospitals or specialist outpatient clinics for further evaluation and management.
While the public sector provides comprehensive care at a lower cost, it often comes with longer waiting times for specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, and elective procedures. For men experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, these delays can impact quality of life and increase the risk of complications, such as urinary retention or bladder damage.
Private Sector: Fast Access at a Premium
In contrast, private healthcare providers offer quicker access to specialist urologists, same-day diagnostic imaging, and shorter lead times for procedures. This convenience is particularly appealing to working adults or those seeking immediate relief from disruptive urinary symptoms.
Private clinics also tend to offer a wider range of minimally invasive technologies for enlarged prostate treatment in Singapore, including laser therapies, UroLift, and water vapor therapy (Rezūm). These procedures are often performed on a day-surgery basis, allowing for faster recovery with minimal disruption to daily life.
However, private care comes at a higher cost, which may not be fully covered by insurance or MediSave, especially for newer or elective treatments.
Balancing Access and Quality
The choice between public and private care often comes down to personal priorities: cost vs convenience, and speed vs subsidy. Ideally, a more integrated healthcare model could offer shared access to advanced technologies while maintaining affordability.
Conclusion
As demand for enlarged prostate treatment in Singapore continues to rise, understanding utilisation patterns across the public and private sectors is key to improving access and patient outcomes. Encouraging early consultation, streamlining referrals, and expanding treatment options across both sectors will be essential in managing BPH in an ageing population.
Looking for a trusted Urologist in Singapore with proven expertise and compassionate care? Visit Dr Lie Kwok Ying | Urologist In Singapore | BPH Specialist.
Clinic: Dr Lie Kwok Ying | Urologist In Singapore | BPH Specialist
Name: Dr Lie Kwok Ying
Address: 820 Thomson Rd, #02-01, Singapore 574623
Phone Number: 6553 5066
Schedule:
Monday-Friday: 08:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 08:30 am – 12:00 pm
Sunday / PH: CLOSED
Description: Urologist In Singapore With 20 Years Of Experience. Fellowship-trained Senior Consultant Urologist specializing in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney stones. Pioneer in HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) in Singapore.
Website: https://lkyurology.com/
Email: alvernia.clinic@urology.com.sg