Facilitating healthcare mediation 

Healthcare Mediation Scheme

The Healthcare Mediation Scheme (HMS) offers mediation services for disputes between patients and healthcare institutions in Singapore. Such disputes include unhappiness over service quality, patient care, and medical management.

Mediation is a way of resolving disputes without going to court. It is a flexible process where a neutral third-party, known as the mediator, facilitates discussions to help parties reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Under the HMS, each mediation session is facilitated by two neutral and impartial mediators. Typically, one of the mediators is medically-trained while the other is legally-trained. Our panel of mediators includes retired judges, senior lawyers, law professors and medical professionals. All of them are experienced in handling healthcare disputes.​

Fees

The Administrative and Mediation Fees for HMS are pegged to the quantum of claim or the amount in dispute. The​ fees payable by each Party is stipulated below.

Claim Quantum or Dispute Amount Administrative Fee (Non-Refundable) Mediation Fee (Hourly Rate*)
Tier 1 (Claim up to $10,000) $75 $75
Tier 2 (Claim above $10,000 up to $100,000) $100 $100
Tier 3 (Claim above $100,000 up to $300,000) $200 $200
Tier 4 (claim above $300,000) $250 $300

All amounts stated above are in Singapore Dollars and subject to prevailing Goods and Services Tax.

*The first 2 hours of the mediation session are not chargeable. If the mediation session extends beyond the 2 hours, each party will be charged the applicable hourly rate as indicated above for each additional hour (or part thereof). 

Application process

  1. Contact the Healthcare Mediation Unit 
    Call: +65 6622 3755 
    Email: mediate@mohh.com.sg

  2. Submit Application Form
    Download the Application Form here and submit the completed form to the Healthcare Mediation Unit by email or post. Please read the Mediation Agreement here and ensure that you have fully understood your responsibilities for the mediation before submitting the Application Form.

  3. Await Response Form
    Mediation will only take place if the other party agrees to it. If the other party agrees to mediate, they will be required to submit a completed Response Form.

  4. Appointment of mediators
    Mediators will be appointed once the mutually agreed date for mediation is fixed. You will be notified of the date, time, venue and mediators’ details.

  5. Attend mediation session
    Most mediation sessions last one day. However, the duration of mediation may vary based on the complexity, nature of the case, and parties' requirements.

  6. Settlement agreement
    If parties reach an agreement at mediation, the terms are recorded in a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement is a legally binding contract and all parties are obliged to comply with its terms.

FAQs

  1. Saves time and money
    When a case goes to court, all parties incur legal and court fees which can be a significant amount, especially if the case takes years to resolve.
    Mediation is cheaper and faster. Most mediations are completed within a day​​.
    The Administrative and Mediation Fees for HMS are pegged to the quantum of claim or the amount in dispute. The​ fees payable by each Party is stipulated here.
     

  2. You have more control 
    Once the case goes to court, you have no control over the result as a judge makes the decision. 
    At mediation, you have control over the outcome as any agreement requires your consent.
     

  3. You don't need to engage a lawyer 
    Mediation focuses on finding practical solutions rather than determining legal liability, so you do not need legal representation to participate effectively in the mediation process.
    However, if you wish, you may consult a lawyer for independent advice at your own expense and choose to have them attend the session with you. 
     

  4. Specialised panel 
    Two neutral and impartial mediators will be appointed to conduct each mediation. Typically, one of the mediators is medically-trained while the other is legally-trained. Our panel of mediators includes retired judges, senior lawyers, law professors, and medical professionals. All of them are experienced in handling healthcare disputes. 

  5. Confidential process 
    All information shared at mediation is strictly confidential and without prejudice.

Nearly all healthcare disputes are suitable for mediation. For mediation to be effective, parties should mediate in good faith and participate with an open mind. Disputes involving an issue of public policy or a criminal offence may be unsuitable for mediation.

As mediation is a voluntary process, all parties have to agree to mediate. A mediation cannot be held if a party does not want to mediate.

The mediators are independent and neutral. Mediators are also required to go through a conflict of interest check before accepting an appointment.

Mediators do not have the power to investigate any claims or make orders against any party. Investigations and disciplinary action against doctors are done by the Singapore Medical Council.

Yes. A mediated settlement agreement is a legally binding contract and parties are obliged to comply with its terms. Parties are also bound by the confidentiality rules as set out in the agreement.

Please contact the Unit at +65 6622 3755 or email us at mediate@mohh.com.sg.​

Parties will be provided opportunities to express their concerns during the mediation session. The mediators will facilitate discussions on pertinent issues and guide parties towards achieving a mutually acceptable outcome. The mediators may also speak with each party separately during the mediation session. Upon reaching an agreement, the terms will be documented and signed by all parties.

Mediation sessions are confidential, and no transcripts or formal recordings will be kept. Only the mediators, the parties, and their authorised representatives are allowed to attend the mediation session.

Follow the application process here.