MEDICAL middlemen such as Wang Chin Seng are not uncommon in Singapore, with some pocketing thousands of dollars for referring patients to doctors, say industry sources.

While there are no firm numbers on how many operate here, two doctors who spoke to The Straits Times said they have both been approached, as have some of their colleagues.

Often called 'referral agents', the middlemen unite Singapore doctors with overseas patients looking for everything from Lasik surgery to chemotherapy. Others work for foreign hospitals and refer Singaporeans to specialists in places like Thailand.

They operate like travel agents, handling airline and hotel bookings for clients. Sometimes, they are also confidants and explain medical procedures to patients.

Most work independently and get business through word of mouth.

Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.