WANT A BLUEPRINT FOR A GREAT HEALTH SYSTEM: TAKE A TAXI RIDE IN SINGAPORE

I catch a lot of taxis and anyone who has experienced the taxi system in Singapore knows how fantastic it is. But what makes it like that?

• Taxis are plentiful and affordable
• Taxis  are modern, clean, safe and comfortable.
• Honesty: I have yet to be cheated or more importantly, even feel that I might have been cheated by a taxi driver. You pay for the service and get what you expect with no extra miles/ services to increase the charges.
• Reliability: Apart from limited peak periods when the system gets overloaded, you will get a taxi pretty much when you need it.
• Accountability: Have an issue with the driver, service or even the passenger\’s behaviour? Systems are in place so that your problems can be resolved.
• Friendly: The biggest danger getting into a Singapore taxi is going deaf from the  chattiness of most drivers. You can have a technically great service, but if your driver is rude, unfriendly or arrogant the service is worthless.

Now go back to the list above and substitute Doctor/ Hospital/ Health System for taxis or taxi drivers.
If you can have a health system and staff based on what the taxi system and drivers in Singapore do, you would have a good blueprint for a health system that people want and deserve.