Singapore, 1 January 2018 – In 2018, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) celebrates 160 years of providing compassionate care and advancing medical practice to improve the health of Singaporeans. Since 1858, KKH has been the birthplace of more than 1.2 million Singaporeans, and advanced medical innovation, research and education, evolving to become Singapore’s largest tertiary referral centre and a recognised leader in high-risk and complex conditions in women, children and newborns.

Today, KKH kicked-off its 160th anniversary celebration by presenting commemorative coins to parents whose babies are born in the hospital on 1 January 2018. The coin, which bears the symbolic facade of the hospital, will also be given to parents whose babies are born on five other days that hold special significance to KKH.

To commemorate 160 years of excellence in clinical care together with the community, the hospital will be organising a year-long series of initiatives in support of women’s and children’s health, medical research and education. Details of the initiatives will be made known as the year progresses.

Professor Alex Sia, Chief Executive Officer, KKH, said, “With a long heritage of serving the most vulnerable in our society, KKH has literally been the birth hospital of the nation, and in many ways established an enduring legacy of excellent care and advancement that has benefitted countless women and children.

“Paralleling our nation’s growth, KKH has grown from humble beginnings into a leading academic medical centre. Our unwavering devotion continues to be delivering the best possible medical care that Singaporeans can benefit from. As we celebrate our heritage, we look forward to shaping the future of medicine and providing compassionate and holistic care for more generations to come.”