Family Healthcare Clinic and Surgery Hougang ✓ ACRA Verified

Sakurai J ★☆☆☆☆

2 months ago

Sometime back, I visited the clinic because of a cough that didn’t go away after two weeks. Without hesitation, the doctor prescribed antibiotics and the bill came up to nearly 100 dollars. I was shocked when making payment because I had never had to pay such an amount just to see a doctor for just a cough. When I asked why, the lady at the counter told me it was expensive because those were branded antibiotics which supposedly work better than non-branded ones. I asked if there were any alternatives because my company had a cap on claims for each visit. She went in to ask the doctor and came back with very unpleasant body language, saying that if I can choose the cheaper option if I am fine with taking a longer time to recover. The cheaper option halved the cost of my clinic visit. Many months later, one of my family members had a similar cough and went to see a doctor at the polyclinic, who advised that antibiotics were totally unnecessary in such a situation. A dry cough can last more than three weeks after a viral infection, and since it isn’t a bacterial infection, antibiotics are redundant. I think this is quite basic knowledge that every GP should have. Being ignorant back then, I trusted that the doctor was there to cure me, but the more I think about it, the more it felt like it was simply an opportunity for the doctor to clear her stock of branded antibiotics. To begin with, judging from my address, I’m just a regular person living in a nearby block, not some affluent carrot head . At the same time, the clinic itself looked really shabby and dated. If a high-end clinic in Orchard were charging such an exorbitant amount to wealthy patients, it might still be somewhat understandable. But a shabby clinic trying to upsell branded antibiotics unnecessarily to an ordinary person who is just trying to get relief from a dry cough, where is the conscience? Anyway, ever since then, I haven’t visited a GP even for a cough, flu, or even COVID. I just take the maximum permitted dose of vitamin C and zinc daily and use an inhaler if needed. The clinic is usually empty, and I’m honestly glad fewer people are going there because I don’t feel comfortable thinking of others being unnecessarily overcharged. Not to mention, taking advantage of someone who is unwell is really too much.

angela ng ★★★★★

3 months ago

Despite the negative reviews, I decided to revisit Family Healthcare Clinic & Surgery at Blk 523 Hougang Ave 6. Both nurses were professional and courteous throughout my visit. Dr Janice was thorough in her diagnosis and took the time to explain my condition. There were four patients ahead of me, and the waiting time was about 30 minutes, which I found reasonable. Most importantly, my inflamed eye showed fast improvement after treatment. Overall, it was a positive experience.

anna olm ★☆☆☆☆

5 months ago

Visited Dr this Monday for my flu, as I ‘ m from healthcare so I told her I had medicine at home however the Dr can have this statement that” by right you all shouldn’t have standby medication”! What right has she got to say that and all pharmacies should have closed down cos not allowed to sell otc n standby medicines. Lastly she said if you don’t want medication and I will charge you more, she did charge me extra. Where is her ethic as a Doctor! I am going to feedback to Ministry of Health! Those who see this Google review should not even try going there, will end up regretting!

Kian Beng Chew ★★★★★

8 months ago

Actually need to know the nature of Dr Cheng. Her character is like my deceased dad --- saying things which may hurt but good-natured. Saw her today for my gout and we were also joking.

Joey Ang ★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

staying at a blk nearby but this was my second time visiting this place (last visit was 7years ago but i wont say its the worst experience so decided to try again) but Dr Cheng is really the worst doctor i have met. had headache for past 2 days and this morning, woke up with giddiness. the moment i sat down and explain my illness , Dr Cheng rolled her eyes at me with a face ‘i know you are lying’. then she mentioned ‘past 2 days is weekend what. what are you doing’. i know i have headache cus its my body so i told her i was resting at home but clearly she doesnt believe me. then gave me a blood pressure test and say ‘give you meds. ok.’ she did not even bother to take another look the moment she ‘believe’ im lying. did not issue me a mc as according to nurse, i need to ‘let the doctor know’ i need an mc when i stated to the doctor that im currently working. my fault i didnt mentioned but Dr Cheng did not ask as well. she just dismissed me from the room? how rude can a doctor get? if you do not believe what your patient says then dont open a clinic. if you think that everyone that comes in is just faking their illness for a mc, then pls close the clinic. dont put other people’s health in danger when you are supposed to be our closest help. honestly im only here today because i really cant travel out to the second nearest clinic but definitely will be my last visit. MOH should really have a secret visit to places like this and see how they conduct consultations.