When someone becomes critically ill and unable to speak for themselves, those closest to them are often left to decide what should be done. Doctors may try to provide care that preserves life. Family members will try to form an opinion about what feels right. But without clear instructions, these decisions can become clouded by uncertainty and emotion.

Taking the time to act early changes that. In Singapore, the Advance Medical Directive (AMD) offers a way to formally state your choice before such a situation unfolds. It is not about giving up. It is about giving clarity. It ensures that when the time comes, your care reflects what matters most to you. Not assumptions, not guesswork, but your own intent.

To understand how the AMD works and what the process involves, let us start with what it actually means.

What is an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?

Medical advancements have made it possible to keep the body alive even in the final stages of illness. Breathing can be supported, heart function can be sustained, and life can be prolonged through machines and medication. For some, this brings hope and time. For others, especially when recovery is no longer possible, it means being kept alive in ways that feel intrusive or unwanted.

An Advance Medical Directive or AMD, offers a way to decide in advance. First passed in the Singapore Parliament in 1996, the AMD is an Act that allows individuals to legally state with documentation that they do not wish to receive extraordinary life-sustaining treatment should they become terminally ill and unconscious. This is a deeply personal decision. It must be made voluntarily, by someone who is at least 21 years old and not mentally disordered.

By choosing to act early, individuals can form and express their wishes clearly, allowing their care to reflect what matters most to them.

Why Is Making an AMD Important?

In difficult medical situations, families are often expected to act on behalf of someone who can no longer speak for themselves. Without clear guidance, even the best intentions can lead to confusion, disagreement, or emotional strain that lasts long after the moment has passed.

An advance directive helps avoid that. By putting their wishes into a formal document, individuals ensure that doctors have clear instructions to follow when the time comes. The AMD serves as a recognised form of consent that removes uncertainty and allows medical care to stay aligned with what the person would have wanted.

Making this decision early is not just about preparing for the unexpected. It is a deliberate act that protects loved ones from the burden of guessing or deciding on your behalf. With an AMD in place, families can focus on being present, knowing the care being given reflects a decision already made and firmly stated.

How Do I Make an AMD?

To make an AMD, you must be at least 21 years old and not mentally disordered at the time of signing. Here is how the process works: 

1. Download and complete the AMD form

The official AMD form is available online or from selected clinics. It must be printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper.

2. Consult a doctor with a witness

The form must be signed in front of a doctor, who will assess your mental capacity and ensure that you understand what the directive means. A second adult witness is also required and must not be an immediate family member, a beneficiary, or someone with an interest in your estate. Our clinic staff can assist with this. A standard consultation fee will apply.

3. Submit the completed form

Send your AMD form in a sealed envelope to:

Registrar of Advance Medical Directives, 
Ministry of Health Singapore, College of Medicine Building, 
16 College Road, Singapore 169854

Once the directive has been registered, you will receive an official acknowledgment from the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Our List of GP Clinics Offering AMD Facilitation

Healthway Medical offers a list of approved doctors at selected clinics across Singapore, making it easy for you to complete this final step of your AMD with added peace of mind:

Protect Your Wishes

Express your intent clearly. Speak to our doctors about your AMD today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Advance Medical Directive

What is an Advance Medical Directive (AMD)?

An AMD is a legal document that lets you state in advance that you do not want extraordinary life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill and unconscious. Making one is completely voluntary. In Singapore, it is a criminal offence for anyone to force or pressure you into signing an AMD against your will.

Who can make an AMD? How do I make one?

Anyone aged 21 and above who is not mentally disordered can make an AMD. You will need to complete the official form, sign it in the presence of a doctor and one other eligible adult witness, then submit it to the Registrar of AMDs at the Ministry of Health for registration.

Where can I get the form for making an AMD?

You can ask for the AMD form directly from your doctor during your visit. If you prefer, you can also download the official form online using the link provided above. Please ensure the form is printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper, as required for submission to the Registrar of AMDs.

Do I need a lawyer? How much does it cost to make an AMD?

You do not need a lawyer to make an AMD. The form is free, and no legal advice is required. However, a consultation with a doctor is necessary to witness and explain the form. Standard consultation charges will apply when making your AMD at our clinics.

Is an AMD the same as a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

No, they serve different purposes. An AMD lets you state your decision to decline extraordinary life-sustaining treatment if you become terminally ill and unconscious. An LPA, on the other hand, allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. Both help ensure your preferences are respected.

Learn more about Healthway Medical’s Lasting Power of Attorney service.