'Preventable lapse' by service provider caused 9.5-hour public healthcare IT outage on Oct 13: Tan Kiat How
A major IT outage across Singapore's public healthcare system on October 13 was caused by a service provider's failure to complete a security update. Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How apologized for the disruption, which forced the rescheduling of 4,000 appointments.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of critical digital infrastructure in healthcare and the importance of vendor management in public services.
The senior minister of state for health apologised for the Oct 13 disruption, saying it "should not have happened". The outage forced about 4,000 outpatient appointments to be rescheduled.
NUH is among public hospitals and healthcare institutions across Singapore hit by system disruptions on Oct 13, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Nikki Yeo)
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