Pre-employment medical checkups are an essential requirement for many individuals entering the workforce, particularly foreign workers applying for work permits in Singapore. These checkups help ensure that employees are medically fit to work and free of infectious diseases that could pose a public health risk.
A common question that arises among employers and job seekers is: Are all clinics authorised to conduct pre-employment medical checkups? The short answer is no—not all clinics are equipped or approved to carry out these specific evaluations, especially when it involves a medical check up for work permit.
Understanding which clinics are eligible and what the process entails is crucial for compliance with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations and ensuring a smooth hiring or employment onboarding experience.
Pre-Employment Medical Checkup in a Nutshell
Basically, this type of medical checkup is a health screening performed before a person begins a job. In Singapore, such checkups are mandatory for certain categories of workers, particularly foreign workers applying for work permits, S Passes, and Employment Passes.
The medical check up for work permit usually includes a physical examination, a chest X-ray, and blood tests for infectious diseases such as HIV, and syphilis and tuberculosis. For female workers, a pregnancy test may also be required, depending on the job role.
These tests are essential to ensure the individual’s fitness for employment in sectors like construction, marine, manufacturing, domestic work, and healthcare.
Are All Clinics Qualified?
Not all clinics in Singapore are authorised or equipped to perform a medical check up for work permit. There are several important factors that determine whether a clinic can offer this service:
1. Licensing and Accreditation
Clinics must be registered with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and possess the necessary infrastructure to conduct specific medical tests. They should also adhere to health data reporting standards and submit results in a timely manner to employers or government portals when required.
2. Familiarity with MOM Requirements
MOM has strict guidelines regarding the health screening process for work permit applicants. A clinic conducting a medical check up for work permit must be familiar with the latest requirements and ensure that the checkup includes all mandated tests. Clinics not experienced with MOM processes may miss out on required tests or submit incomplete reports, which can lead to delays in the work pass application.
3. Access to Radiology and Lab Services
Since most medical check up for work permit procedures include a chest X-ray and blood tests, the clinic must either have on-site radiology and laboratory facilities or reliable partnerships with accredited labs. This ensures the accuracy and speed of results.
4. Electronic Health Reporting Capabilities
Many employers prefer clinics that can submit results electronically to minimise delays. Clinics that are not part of an integrated system may face bottlenecks in delivering timely documentation.
Why It Matters for Employers and Workers
Choosing the right clinic for a medical health screening for work permit is not just about convenience, it’s a matter of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. For employers, using an unqualified clinic can result in:
- Rejected work pass applications
- Delays in the hiring
- Financial penalties for non-compliance
- Repetition of medical checkups at approved clinics
For workers, going to a non-approved clinic can mean having to repeat tests, incurring unnecessary costs, or facing delays in employment confirmation.
What to Expect During the Checkup
When visiting a clinic for a medical examination for work permit, individuals can expect the following:
- Completion of a basic health questionnaire
- Physical examination (blood pressure, height, weight)
- Chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and other conditions as required
- Urine or pregnancy test (for certain job categories)
The entire process is usually completed within a day, although results may take 1 to 3 working days depending on the clinic and tests involved.
Pre-Employment Medical Checkups for Different Pass Types
While the medical check up for work permit is most commonly associated with Work Permit holders, individuals applying for other passes may also be required to undergo a similar medical examination. These include:
- S Pass holders: Mid-skilled workers in sectors such as manufacturing or services
- Employment Pass (EP) holders: Professionals and managers
- Dependent Pass holders: Family members of EP holders may also need screening in some cases
Each pass category has different requirements, and experienced clinics will be aware of the differences and customise the screening accordingly.
Choosing the Right Clinic
Given the potential complications of choosing the wrong provider, it’s advisable to choose a clinic that is:
- MOH-registered
- Experienced in handling MOM medical screening requirements
- Transparent about test costs and turnaround time
- Equipped with or connected to X-ray and laboratory facilities
- Able to issue official reports and documentation in the correct formats
Keystone Clinic & Surgery, for instance, is one such clinic in Singapore that regularly conducts medical check up for work permit screenings and has the capability to manage both walk-in and corporate clients.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a medical check up for work permit varies depending on the tests required, whether X-rays are included, and if additional screenings (e.g. for Hepatitis B or pregnancy) are needed. Some clinics offer bundled packages for employers who send multiple workers for screening. It’s important to confirm in advance what is included in the quoted price to avoid surprises. In general, the cost ranges from SGD 60 to SGD 120, but may be higher if specialised tests are requested.
How Often Must Workers Undergo Medical Screening?
In Singapore, a medical check up for work permit is typically done during the application or renewal of the pass. However, in sectors like domestic work or construction, periodic medical screenings (e.g. every 6 months) may be required to monitor ongoing fitness for work.
Employers are responsible for making sure that their workers comply with these requirements. Engaging a clinic that maintains proper medical records and can provide reminders or reports is often helpful for businesses managing large teams.
Conclusion
While many general clinics can offer basic health screenings, not all are qualified or equipped to conduct a medical check up for work permit in accordance with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower regulations. Choosing a reliable and experienced clinic is crucial for avoiding delays, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding both the employer’s interests and the worker’s health.
Whether you’re an employer seeking a long-term healthcare ally for your workforce or an individual preparing for employment in Singapore, make sure the clinic you choose understands the specific requirements and provides a smooth, transparent process.
Book Your Pre-Employment Screening Today
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we specialise in providing efficient, accurate, and MOM-compliant medical check up for work permit services. Our experienced medical team handles a wide range of pre-employment screenings with professionalism, clarity, and care.
Whether you’re a company managing multiple hires or an individual starting a new job in Singapore, we’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free. Let us support your employment journey with trusted medical care.
References
Mom.gov.sg. Medical Examination for Migrant Worker. https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/medical-examination
Keystonemedical.com.sg. Are Pre-Employment Checkups Mandatory for All Jobs and are They Fully Subsidised by the Employer?. https://keystonemedical.com.sg/are-pre-employment-checkups-mandatory-for-all-jobs-and-are-they-fully-subsidised-by-the-employer/