What to Expect During a Medical Check Up for Work Permit in Singapore

For foreign workers who wish to work in Singapore, undergoing a medical check-up for work permit is considered mandatory. This is to ensure that the foreign worker is free from any infectious diseases and is fit to work in Singapore. If you are required to get a medical check up for work permit, below are some of the things you can expect.

Before the Medical Check-Up

Before going for the medical check-up, the foreign worker must have received a valid in-principle approval (IPA) letter from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The IPA letter will specify the type of medical examination required, such as a basic or full medical examination, and the duration of the work permit.

It is also important to note that foreign workers who have been working in high-risk industries, such as construction, marine, or process, for more than six months are required to undergo a mandatory HIV test.

The test must be conducted at a Singapore-registered medical clinic or laboratory, and the results must be submitted to MOM within two weeks from the date of the medical examination.

During the Medical Check-Up

The medical check-up for a work permit in Singapore usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the type of medical examination required. The check-up is conducted at a Singapore-registered medical clinic or laboratory that is authorized by MOM to conduct the medical examination.

The medical check-up typically involves the following:

Registration

Upon arrival at the medical clinic or laboratory, the foreign worker will be required to register and provide their personal particulars, such as name, identification number, and nationality.

Basic Medical Examination

The basic medical examination includes a physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood tests. The physical examination typically involves checking the foreign worker’s height, weight, blood pressure, and urine analysis. The chest x-ray is done to check for any signs of tuberculosis, while the blood tests are done to check for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

Full Medical Examination

The full medical examination includes all the tests conducted in the basic medical examination, as well as additional tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), vision and hearing tests, and a medical questionnaire.

The ECG is done to check the foreign worker’s heart health, while the vision and hearing tests are done to check their visual and auditory acuity. The medical questionnaire is used to gather information on the foreign worker’s medical history, such as any chronic illnesses or medications they may be taking.

After the Medical Check-Up

After the medical check-up, the medical clinic or laboratory will provide the foreign worker with a medical report, which includes the results of the medical examination. If the foreign worker is found to be fit for work, the medical report will be submitted to MOM, and the work permit will be issued.

If the foreign worker is found to have a medical condition, the medical report will be referred to a panel of appointed medical practitioners for review. The panel will determine if the medical condition is a disqualifying factor for the work permit. If the foreign worker is found to be unfit for work, the work permit will be revoked.

Conclusion

Undergoing a medical check-up is a mandatory requirement for foreign workers who wish to work in Singapore. The medical check-up typically involves a physical examination, chest x-ray, blood tests, and additional tests such as ECG, vision and hearing tests, and a medical questionnaire.

After the medical check-up, the medical report will be submitted to MOM, and the work permit will be issued if the foreign worker is found to be fit for work. It is important for foreign workers to ensure that they meet the medical requirements before coming to Singapore to work.