Tan Teoh Clinic & Surgery Reviews Spark Online Backlash – What Went Wrong?

Many other institutions would be envious of the legacy that Tan Teoh Clinic & Surgery has. Dr. Tan Chai Lee founded it in 1981 as a small practice nestled into Towner Road’s neighborhood. The clinic established itself as a healthcare provider for both private and corporate clients by expanding its reach over the years to include Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, and Orchard Road. For a while, Dr. Tan’s dream of a place that provided compassionate, cost-effective, and all-encompassing healthcare came true. However, the clinic’s reputation has been seriously harmed as patient voices have become more vocal online and expectations have changed.

Digital platforms, especially Google Reviews, have become a sounding board for general discontent in recent months. With a startlingly low rating of 1.8 stars out of 167 reviews, the reviews consistently present a very worrisome image. Some patients report being spoken to in “cold,” “dismissive,” or even “hostile” tones, while others recount being turned away minutes before closing. These experiences and the clinic’s initial values stand in stark contrast to how established retail chains fought off more recent, customer-focused rivals. It serves as a reminder that reputation now depends on clicks and conversations rather than being rooted in physical space.

Tan Teoh Clinic & Surgery – Key Information

After examining dozens of reviews, one pattern stands out in particular: the front desk experience establishes the tone. A number of people related experiences of arriving at appointments only to receive abrupt responses or blank stares. In one instance, despite having traveled across the city for her appointment, a woman who had booked a health check through a government system was casually informed that the clinic did not accept online bookings. These situations are not only inconvenient; they are also extremely upsetting and emotionally impactful.

In an age where healthcare accessibility has grown remarkably efficient through mobile apps and teleconsultations, traditional clinics must not only compete on cost but on kindness. Many of Tan Teoh’s competitors are incorporating AI-powered triage systems, WhatsApp-based bookings, and round-the-clock chatbots—tools that might not yet be the clinic’s strength. But what can’t be replaced by machines is the human element, and that is exactly where most grievances lie. Being spoken to with empathy, given the benefit of doubt, or simply being acknowledged without prejudice—these are expectations, not luxuries.

For a clinic that brands itself as a “One-Stop Healthcare Centre,” the experiences narrated by patients feel surprisingly disjointed. Several reviewers mentioned extremely brief consultations, sometimes clocking in under a minute. One described how the doctor provided no eye contact, no guidance—just a prescription and an instruction to leave. These descriptions signal an urgent need to reintroduce the ‘care’ in healthcare. No matter how efficient a clinic becomes, healing requires connection. And when that connection is lost, the cost isn’t just a lost customer—it’s a dent in public trust.

What’s particularly concerning is that many of the reviews aren’t first-time visitors. Some patients had been coming to Tan Teoh Clinic for years, and their recent experiences have been so negative that they vowed never to return. For a healthcare provider that once earned loyalty, this trend is notably alarming. It suggests that the internal culture—whether due to understaffing, burnout, or complacency—may need recalibrating from the top down.

The healthcare industry in Singapore is advancing at a blistering pace. Over the past decade, services like Doctor Anywhere and Speedoc have transformed expectations. They’ve made healthcare incredibly versatile, no longer confined to sterile waiting rooms. By contrast, a clinic’s physical presence must now be augmented with digital intuition and emotional intelligence. Tan Teoh’s history is valuable—but it must not become a shield against change.

That said, the situation is not beyond repair. Some reviewers noted surprisingly affordable medical packages and appreciated the convenience of having multiple branches. Others recognized specific doctors and nurses who demonstrated genuine warmth and care. These are bright spots that can be nurtured and scaled. By retraining frontline staff, improving internal communication, and enforcing a culture of respect, the clinic could rapidly regain some of its lost standing. Even a simple acknowledgment of past shortcomings would signal a willingness to grow—a move many legacy businesses have found remarkably effective in restoring goodwill.

In the context of public healthcare reliance and increased mental health awareness, the stakes are higher than ever. Clinics like Tan Teoh serve a vital purpose, particularly for those who can’t afford boutique consultations or concierge services. Their affordability is a strength—but it must not come at the cost of dignity. As one reviewer poignantly noted, “I didn’t come here for five-star service, I came here for five minutes of being treated like a human being.”