Blocks 1, 2, and 3 of the former Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) at Hampshire Road are proposed to be gazetted as Singapore's 76th national monument. Built between the 1930s-1950s, these blocks are representative buildings of the former KKH and showcase the hospital’s instrumental role in advancing midwifery, maternal, and gynaecological care in Singapore.
Origins
KKH began as Singapore's fifth general hospital in 1858. It was established in the area known as Kandang Kerbau, referencing the bullock sheds that once dotted the vicinity. Initially treating venereal and other contagious diseases, the hospital began admitting women with gynaecological complications in 1868. A significant transformation occurred on 1 October 1924, when it officially became a free maternity hospital, marking the beginning of its specialised role in maternal healthcare.
Pioneering Medical Excellence
The hospital's physical development reflected both its growing significance and evolving medical needs. In the post-war years, KKH established itself as Singapore's premier institution for midwifery, maternity care and gynaecology. Through improved pregnancy and delivery care practices, the hospital's dedicated medical team achieved remarkable success in reducing mortality rates.
The hospital grounds were witness to numerous medical breakthroughs, particularly in obstetrics and gynaecology, led by local pioneers. Dr Benjamin Henry Sheares, who eventually served as Singapore’s second President from 1971-1981, was at the forefront of these advances and made history as the first local-born Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1951. His pioneering work included performing Singapore's first lower segment caesarean section and developing a surgical technique for creating a neovagina in female patients born without one. The technique would later gain worldwide recognition as the “Sheares Procedure”. Another notable practitioner, Professor S. S. Ratnam, performed Singapore's first sex reassignment surgery, and oversaw the births of Asia's first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) babies at KKH.
A significant milestone at the former KKH was the establishment of Singapore's first School of Midwifery (1952-1978). This institution became the training ground for a new generation of post-war local midwives, who developed expertise in delivery techniques and nursing care. Their dedication and professionalism significantly elevated maternal healthcare standards in Singapore.
These pioneering medical professionals - doctors and midwives alike - played a critical role in lowering infant and maternal mortality, contributing significantly to Singapore's post-war baby boom, which lasted roughly from 1945 to the 1960s. Their impact was most evident in 1966, when births at KKH reached an unprecedented peak of more than 39,835 babies, accounting for 85% of all births in Singapore that year.
Evolution of the Hospital’s Architecture
The hospital's physical development reflected its growing importance and changing medical needs. To accommodate the growing number of births and need for improved medical care, KKH constantly upgraded its facilities. Blocks 1, 2 and 3 were constructed from the 1930s to 1950s to meet the demands of Singapore's growing population and improve medical standards. The old one-storey blocks were demolished in the early 1930s to make way for new three-storey buildings. The building, now known as Block 2, was opened in 1933 and is the oldest block standing on the site. A second three-storey building, now designated Block 3, was completed in 1940.
A significant addition came between 1953-1955 with the construction of a new block. Now designated as Block 1, this block would become the hospital's main façade along Hampshire Road. Featuring air-conditioned wards, a students' hostel and an operating theatre, Block 1 was designed through the collaborative efforts of Dr Benjamin H. Sheares and K. A. Bundle, the Chief Government Architect.
The architectural evolution of these blocks reflected advancing medical knowledge and healthcare design principles. The early wards followed the Nightingale design, with beds arranged in two rows along lengthy corridors to maximise airflow. By the 1950s, this gave way to smaller, separate wards with controlled airflow - a design that proved more effective in reducing the spread of infections.
A Medical Legacy
From 1924 to 1997, the former KKH at Hampshire Road witnessed the births of over 1.2 million babies before its relocation. The site holds particular significance in Singapore's collective memory, having played a crucial role during the early growing years of the nation.
As Singapore marks 60 years of independence in 2025, the gazetting of Blocks 1, 2 and 3 as a National Monument pays tribute to KKH's contributions to our nation's healthcare sector, particularly in shaping maternal and child health services during our nation's formative years.
Statement of Assessment
The Preservation of Sites and Monuments Advisory Board has assessed Blocks 1, 2 and 3 of the Former Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) to have strong national significance worthy of preservation as a National Monument.
They are representative buildings of the Former KKH and stand testament to the development of midwifery and maternity services in Singapore, including medical history achievements such as the improvement of childbirth practices and high standards of training for healthcare professionals.
Built in modern architecture style, the buildings were known for their use of modern materials at the time of construction. The façades were designed to provide shelter from the tropical climate while allowing natural light and fresh air into the interior spaces.
The Former KKH was also associated with nationally significant Singaporeans. Dr Benjamin Sheares, the second President of Singapore from 1971 – 1981, performed the first lower segment Caesarean section in Singapore and pioneered the Sheares Procedure at the hospital.
As Singapore marks 60 years of independence in 2025, this gazette will pay tribute to KKH’s contributions during the early nation-building years. In addition to being the site where many of Singapore’s post-war generation was born, the Former KKH was the birthplace of more than 1.2 million babies from its opening on 1 October 1924 to its relocation in 1997.
Our National Monuments
Our National Monuments are an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage, which the National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves and promotes for posterity. They are monuments and sites that are accorded the highest level of protection in Singapore.
