Singapore

Singapore has the lowest infant mortality rate in the world (matched only by Iceland) and a highly effective, universal health system that combines private medical savings accounts with publicly-underwritten catastrophe insurance. The majority of healthcare is delivered by the private sector. The system is underpinned by an almost unparalleled degree of patient choice, with the resulting competition ensuring costs are kept under control.

The Singaporean government has taken steps to ensure that the country becomes a leading player in pharmaceutical innovation, mainly through its low corporation tax and strong respect for intellectual property rights. Several leading multinational R&D companies have established research facilities in Singapore, including centres dedicated to developing treatments for 'neglected' tropical diseases. As would be expected of one of the most open economies in the world, Singapore imposes no tariffs on pharmaceutical products.