About SBFC

Founders

Ven. Hong Choo

Ven. Siong Khye (BBM)

History Of SBFC

Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic is a charitable organisation set up by local Buddhists. Based on the Buddhist teachings of loving kindness and compassion, its objective is to provide free medical services to the sick and needy, so as to relieve their suffering on illness and to help them leading a healthier and happier life.

The Free Clinic was established in 1969. The idea of setting up a free clinic was mooted by the late Ven. Siong Khye (BBM). Ven. Seck Hong Choon, the late Abbot of Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, responded enthusiastically by donating the entire income of a religious event held in 1966. The response of fellow Buddhists to the idea was overwhelming. A pro tem committee was soon formed. The name “Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic” was agreed, the constitutions drafted, and an application to the Registry of Societies for registration made. On 12 May 1969, the approval of its registration was granted and published in the Gazette No 46 on 16 May 1969.

Milestones

Founded in 1969, Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic (SBFC) was initiated by Master Venerable Siong Khye, with support from Master Venerable Hong Choon and the wider Buddhist community in Singapore.

SBFC was registered on 12 May and granted Institution of Public Character on 17 September, allowing donations to be tax-exempt.

On 1 November, it began providing free Traditional Chinese Medicine services at Poh Toh Temple, 7 Yan Kit Road, Tanjong Pagar. The official opening on 22 November was officiated by Mr. Chan Chee Seng, then Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Social Affairs.

On 1 December 1972, our first branch clinic was set up at Blk 77 Indus Road, in a rented shophouse. Its official opening on 17 December was officiated by Mr. Chan Chee Seng, then Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Social Affairs.

In 1975, a plot at 48 Lorong 23 Geylang was acquired for the construction of the “Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic Building.”

On 1 December 1979, the second branch clinic located within the Building commenced operations. On 9 December, the Building’s official opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Ang Keong Lan, BBM (L), a prominent figure in Singapore’s financial sector.

On 24 October 1984, SBFC was registered as a charity, with registration number 100.

1 September 1992, Ang Mo Kio Branch was set up at the ground floor of Blk 348 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. Mrs. Wee Kim Wee, the First Lady, presided over the opening ceremony on 22 November.

In 1994, SBFC celebrated its 25th anniversary with a series of events, including health talks, a blood donation drive, a compassionate walk, a charity dinner and publication of a special issue on the Silver Jubilee.

On 3 January 1994, Delta Branch relocated to Blk 139 Tiong Bahru Road, and was renamed the Redhill Branch. Its official opening on 6 November was officiated by Brigadier-General George Yeo Yong Boon, then Minister for Information and the Arts and Minister for Health.

On 18 July 1994, a Rehabilitation Centre was established at the former Delta Branch premises to care for elderly patients with chronic conditions and those recovering from illness. In November 1995, SBFC bought this shophouse from the Housing and Development Board, making it a self-owned property.

In 1995, Jurong Branch was established at the ground floor of Blk 320, Jurong East Street 31. Its official opening on 26 November was officiated by Rear Admiral Teo Chee Hean, then Acting Minister for the Environment and Senior Minister of State for Defence.

On 21 April 1997, Tanjong Pagar Branch moved out of Poh Toh Temple to continue its service at 44 Craig Road, a premise bought by SBFC. Its official opening on 23 November was officiated by Dr. Ow Chin Hock, then Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mayor of the Tanjong Pagar Community Development Council.

In 2001, affected by a re-development project by HDB, Redhill Branch relocated to Blk 131 Clarence Lane. Its official opening on 25 November was officiated by Dr. Ow Chin Hock, then Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mayor of the Tanjong Pagar Community Development Council.

On 6 September 2005, SBFC Building was demolished for redevelopment. The Headquarters and Main Clinic were temporarily relocated to a rented shophouse at 14 Lorong 25 Geylang to continue operations.

In 2007, the rebuilding of SBFC Building was completed, and the new building officially opened on 6 August. The Headquarters and Main Clinic moved into the new premises and resumed operations as usual.

On 9 November 2008, the official opening ceremony of the rebuilt SBFC Building was held, officiated by Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, then Minister for Social Development, Youth and Sports.

On 22 October 2012, a “Cancer Treatment Centre” was established on the third floor of the Main Clinic.

On 4 October 2013, SBFC was awarded the “Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA 2013)”, jointly organised by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Lianhe Zaobao.

Launched of counselling services on 2 June at the Main Clinic.

On 20 September, Sembawang Branch started its operation at Blk 503A Canberra Link, and Minister for National Development Mr. Khaw Boon Wan was invited to officiate the opening ceremony on 2 November.

On 19 March 2016, the Rehabilitation Centre at Indus Road concluded its decades of service and entered history.

On 1 April 2016, Dover Branch, located at Blk 23 Dover Crescent, commenced operations. Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Mr. Lim Hng Kiang officiated the Branch’s opening ceremony on 18 December.

From 1 August 2017, counselling services were introduced at Tanjong Pagar Branch.

Starting 1 September 2018, cancer treatment was introduced at Sembawang Branch.

Series of events were lines up in celebration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary:

On 28 April, a medical forum titled “Prevention Is Better Than Cure”” was held at Tai Pei Buddhist Centre, invited medical experts from China as speakers.

On 1 October, Tampines Branch, located at Blk 156 Tampines Street 12, commenced operations.

On 9 and 10 November, a large-scale original Yue opera “Guanyin”, performed by the Zhejiang Zhoushan Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Troupe, was staged at the Esplanade Theatre.

On 24 November, Tampines Branch held its official opening ceremony alongside the Golden Jubilee celebration, officiated by Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Masagos Zulkifli.

In November of the same year, SBFC was once again awarded the “Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA 2019),” jointly organised by the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises and Lianhe Zaobao.

On 31 March, the “Golden Jubilee Special Issue” was released.

On 5 March, Counselling Centre located on the 8th floor of the Headquarters held its opening ceremony, officiated by Board President, Venerable Kwang Sheng.

On 1 April, due to a decline in patient demand, Tanjong Pagar Branch at 44 Craig Road ceased operations, concluding its 26 years of service.

In Summary

Our clinics are located in densely populated areas across the island, including Geylang, Redhill, Ang Mo Kio, Jurong, Sembawang, Dover and Tampines. With the continued support of the community, we will continue to deliver more comprehensive, accessible, and advanced healthcare services, to the middle- and lower-income population in Singapore.