• The words “同济” in the institution’s name are taken from its mission of “一视同仁、博施济众” (“to treat all regardless of race, religion and nationality without prejudice; to give freely to help the community”). Hence, the name of Thong Chai Medical Institution implies that anyone who needs help will be treated equally.
• In 1867, leaders of the Cantonese community in Singapore founded Thong Chai Yee Say (“同济医社”), the predecessor of Thong Chai Medical Institution. It was not only a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic that took care of the poor and the working masses, but also a place for the Chinese migrants to gather, discuss matters, and help each other out.
• In 1892, Thong Chai Yee Say won the approval of the British colonial government for its charitable activities. Subsequently, it moved into a new building designed in traditional Chinese style on Eu Tong Sen Street and was renamed Thong Chai Medical Institution. Today, this building is known as the Old Thong Chai Medical Institution, to distinguish it from the present Thong Chai Medical Institution.
• In 1973, the Singapore Government gazetted the Old Thong Chai Medical Institution as a National Monument.
• On 28 November 1976, Thong Chai Medical Institution moved to Thong Chai Building at Chin Swee Road.
• To benefit more people, four community clinics were opened, in Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Bedok Reservoir, and Bukit Batok.
• To groom new TCM practitioners, the Thong Chai Institute of Medical Research brings in top TCM doctors to conduct classes, and offers scholarships to aspiring individuals to further their studies in China.
• In 2017, the Thong Chai Fund was set up to provide material assistance and establish a solid financial foundation for its services.

In the past 13 years, Thong Chai Medical Institution has provided scholarships for 45 Nanyang Technological University students pursuing a Double Degree in Biomedical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine, amounting to a total of S$600,000. (Lianhe Zaobao, 7/3/2022)

On 21 March 2010, “Thong Chai Charity Night”, a TV fundraising show, was held, with international star Jackie Chan as the Charity Ambassador. The show raised a total of S$7.23 million. In September 2017, the event was held again, this time raising S$8.86 million.