Singapore Health Quality Service Awards honour staff who go extra mile – the highest accolade under the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards.
In the Straits Times article, Dr. Tan Heng Hao, a prominent fertility specialist, shared insights on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by couples struggling with infertility. Many of his patients experience social stigma related to being childless, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and even marital breakdowns. Dr. Tan emphasises that his role goes beyond addressing the medical needs of his patients; he walks alongside them on a difficult “fertility journey” that can span several years and involve multiple rounds of in-vitro fertilisation. Despite these efforts, not all couples succeed in having children.
Dr. Tan was honoured with the prestigious Superstar Award at the Singapore Health Quality Service Awards ceremony on January 15 2019. The award, presented by President Halimah Yacob at the National University of Singapore, recognises healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care. Dr. Tan highlighted that being a successful fertility doctor requires not only medical expertise but also patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach, as social pressures to have children can add significant emotional weight to an already complex medical issue.
