NSC's Key Milestones
2026
In January 2026, NSC entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Masjid Tentera Di Raja for their Tattoo Removal programme, Mudik Ke Hulu.
2025
NSC embarked on the largest real-world data collection in SE Asia for Ruxolitinib, the first cream indicated for the treatment of vitiligo.
2024
The Atopic Dermatitis Research Programme for Patients (Adept) was awarded nearly $10 million by the National Medical Research Council, marking the first Open Fund-Large Collaborative Grant (OF-LCG) allocated to skin research. Host institution NSC united the largest team of skin researchers in Singapore to embark on this project, and will provide the site for cohort studies and patient-involved research.
2023
The new NSC building welcomed its first patients on 28 June 2023. leading up to the official launch ceremony on 25 October 2023 graced by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
2022
Launch of the inaugural Basic Dermatology Nursing Course for Intermediate and Long-Term Care (ILTC) nurse, with Singapore's ageing population driving new needs for dermatology competency across a spectrum of care settings.
2021
Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), novel skin imaging that allows non-invasive and real-time diagnosis of equivocal skin cancers, successfully passed the research stage to be offered as a clinical service at NSC.
NSC Pharmacy developed the prototype of the Contact Dermatitis Database, a unique cloud-based platform that can filter products by ingredients to help NSC’s healthcare staff select suitable retail products for patients with allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.
2020
Launch of new self-administered home therapy for patients with hyperhidrosis (abnormally excessive sweating) of the palms or soles.
NSC initiated the harmonisation of the dermatology residency programme to allow for exposure of trainees to accredited training sites, namely Changi General Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital.
NSC went green by issuing digital medical certificates in December.
Teleconsultation was made available to vulnerable patients, such as the aged and frail, or those on immunosuppressive therapy.
2019
NSC was accredited as Singapore’s GA²LEN Atopic Dermatitis Referral and Excellence Centre (ADCARE).
Launch of Skin Aid for the Vulnerable and Elderly (SALVE) programme, which aims to reduce the incidence of preventable re-admissions into acute care hospitals, by supporting patients with chronic relapsing skin diseases.
NSC was chosen as the main study site in Singapore to study novel emerging atopic dermatitis therapies including various targeted biologics and oral small molecule therapies.
2018
Tele-DERM – the e-consultation platform launched in partnership with NHG Polyclinics in 2016 – clinched Excellence Award under the Cost Reduction category in the Asian Hospital Management Awards in Bangkok, Thailand.
A transformative development in keloid treatment as NSC introduced microneedles patch treatment for keloids, allowing suitable patients to opt for this painless treatment and administer it from the comfort of their homes.
Redevelopment of new NSC kicked off with the Ground Breaking Ceremony graced by Guest-of-Honour, Senior Minister of State for Health, Dr Amy Khor.
Launch of the Pharmacist Eczema Clinic service, providing adult patients with stable mild eczema the option to be referred to this clinic for step down care.
2017
Tele-DERM wins the National IT Excellence Award.
NSC’s Psoriasis and Photodermatology Units published the first book on practical guidelines for phototherapy and photodiagnostic investigations in Asian Skin, as well as introduced a structured training course for nurses.
A new tumour review panel was initiated at NSC’s Skin Cancer Unit to ensure appropriate management of all newly diagnosed skin cancers and complex cases seen at the Clinic.
2016
Birth of Tele-DERM, a store-and-forward e-consult service used in partnership with NHG Polycinics.
Advanced therapeutics involving the use of biologics were made available to severe acne sufferers.
2015
The first NSC-formulated cream to address unmet clinical need of rapid itch relief was launched after a decision to commercialise the product for the benefit the wider community. Suu Balm is now available in many Asian and European countries.
The first Chronic Urticaria Perceptorship was jointly organised by NSC, the Dermatological Society of Singapore and Novartis.
Marking the nascence of the Skin Imaging Clinic and heralding dermatological innovations and discoveries in the coming years, NSC became the first Centre in the region to acquire high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging devices.
Intralesional MMR and Gardasil immunotherapy were introduced to treat recalcitrant warts.
Digital imaging for scalp hairs was made possible with the introduction of the Folliscope system at NSC, providing a research tool for hair-related clinical studies.
2014
Establishment of the NSC Tissue Bank.
Launch of the sun protection counselling service run by NSC pharmacists.
NSC became the first medical centre in Asia-Pacific to achieve Stage 6 of the Primary Care Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, a certification by HIMSS Analytics Asia Pacific.
In collaboration with the Dermatological Society of Singapore and the Asian Society for Pigment Cell Research, NSC helped win the bid for the 22nd International Pigment Cell Conference to be held in Singapore for the first time, placing us on the world stage for pigment cell research.
2013
NSC, as a member of NHG, along with Nanyang Technological University and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), established the Skin Research Institute of Singapore.
NSC evolved its medical training from the apprenticeship style Advanced Specialist Training Programme to the more structured Dermatology Senior Residency Training Programme, accredited by the Joint Committee of Specialist Training.
2000-2010
1990-2000
1988-1990
NSC's Key Milestones
2007
Introduction of Mohs Microscopic Surgery (MMS), the treatment of choice for high-risk non-melanoma skin cancers.
NSC became the first ambulatory care centre in South-east Asia to achieve JCI accreditation.
2006
Introduction of photodynamic therapy for patients with actinic keratosis and certain types of superficial skin cancers. This would later become a nurse-led service in 2015.
Opening of Mandalay Clinic Laser Suites, NSC’s dedicated laser and aesthetic procedure facility complete with private post-procedure recovery rooms.
One of the earliest applications of teledermatology at NSC, where doctors reviewed skin conditions of long-stay patients at the Institute of Mental Health through live web-cam teleconferencing.
2005
Introduction of the first cultured melanocyte grafting for stable vitiligo patients, a more cosmetically desirable technique than the initial punch grafting.
2004
NSC’s medical records go paperless. In collaboration with local IT company novaHEALTH, NSC helped develop Vesalius, the first fully integrated web-based paperless EMR in Singapore.
Publication of the first edition of ‘The Asian Skin: A Reference Colour Atlas of Dermatology’, which answers the need dor a reference colour atlas that depicts the characteristics of skin conditions as seen on Asian skin.
Introduction of self-registration kiosks.
2003
Introduction of UVA-1 machine (Daavlin SL3000) for treatment of localised skin diseases requiring deeper UV penetration.
Establishment of NSC’s Cell Culture Laboratory to boost translational research especially in the area of cellular grafting for vitiligo.
2002
NSC made the switch to Narrowband UVB for phototherapy for vitiligo and psoriasis, which is safer and more effective than oral PUVA.
2000
NSC becomes part of the National Healthcare Group.
NSC's Key Milestones
1999
The Graduate Diploma in Family Practice Dermatology enrolled its first participants in a joint programme by the Division of Graduate Medical Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, and NSC.
1998
Start of the Cutaneous Lymphoma Clinic, which today serves as a referral centre linking oncologists from NCC and NHG, allowing coordinated and expedited care for patients requiring chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
1996
NSC performed its first hair transplant.
1995
NSC held its first regional conference, titled Skin Therapy Updates.
1993
NSC established the Institute of Dermatology Singapore to consolidate its activities in training/education, research and scientific publication.
1991
Launch of the first Dermatological Nursing Course.
1990
Launch of the one-week full-time Clinical Dermatology Course for general practitioners.
NSC launched a Research Department.
In the early 1990s, NSC's introduction of contact immunotherapy revolutionised the treatment of extensive alopecia areata, with Singapore one of the first in Asia to offer this treatment.
NSC's Key Milestones
1989
CO2 laser service was introduced, marking the beginning of the Laser Surgery Unit in NSC.
The origins of NSC’s role as a national training centre for undergraduates and specialists with the introduction of the Advanced Specialist Training (AST) programme in dermatology.
Inauguration of NSC on Mandalay Road by Yeo Cheow Tong, Singapore’s then Acting Minister for Health.
1988
Closure of Middle Road Hospital, marking the separation of venereology and dermatology to different physical localities. NSC opened its doors on 1 Mandalay Road to see dermatology patients while STD cases were seen at Kelantan Polyclinic.
Last updated: 26 Jul 2024
