Adj A/Prof Manjari Lahiri is a Senior Consultant in the Division of Rheumatology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, at the National University Hospital. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Her listed clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, early arthritis, treat-to-target approaches and multidisciplinary care in inflammatory arthritis. She is the Principal Investigator for the Singapore Early Arthritis Cohort (SEAC), an observational study of early inflammatory arthritis.
She is a past Chairperson of the Chapter of Rheumatologists, College of Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
Clinical focus
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (AIIMS, Delhi), MD (Medicine) (AIIMS, Delhi), FRCP (UK), FAMS (Rheumatology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Division of Rheumatology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital — Kent Ridge
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): National University Hospital (NUH); Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS
Getting to the clinic
The Division of Rheumatology and Allergy is part of the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital (NUH) on the Kent Ridge campus. The nearest rail station is Kent Ridge MRT (CC24) on the Circle Line, which connects directly into the NUH campus via sheltered links. The hospital is also served by several bus routes, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is available at the main entrances. As a large public hospital, NUH has visitor carparks on site, though the campus is extensive, so allow time to find the correct building and clinic.
Because NUH spans several towers and zones, check your appointment letter for the specific clinic and use the campus signage and information counters to navigate. Arriving early helps with registration and any pre-clinic steps.
What rheumatoid arthritis care covers
Adj A/Prof Lahiri’s clinical interests include rheumatoid arthritis, early arthritis, treat-to-target approaches and multidisciplinary care in inflammatory arthritis, and she is Principal Investigator for the Singapore Early Arthritis Cohort. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness, often in the hands, wrists and feet and typically on both sides. Without treatment it can lead to joint damage and loss of function, and it can also affect other parts of the body.
An important theme in modern care is treating early and aiming at a defined target of low disease activity or remission, adjusting treatment until that goal is reached. This is why early assessment of new or persistent joint swelling matters. Treatment usually combines disease-modifying drugs, and sometimes biologic or targeted therapies, with support from physiotherapy and occupational therapy as part of multidisciplinary care.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history of your joint symptoms, including which joints are affected, morning stiffness, how long symptoms have lasted, and any family history. An examination assesses the joints for swelling, tenderness and movement, and checks for signs elsewhere in the body.
Investigations may include blood tests for inflammation and antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to look at the joints. The results are discussed with you, along with a treatment plan based on a treat-to-target approach. You are encouraged to ask about how quickly treatment works, monitoring and what to expect over time.
Preparing for your appointment
It helps to bring:
- Your photo identification and a GP or polyclinic referral letter, which can help with subsidies.
- Previous records, blood results and any joint X-rays or ultrasound reports.
- A current list of all medicines and supplements.
- A note of your symptoms, including which joints are affected, morning stiffness and how it affects daily tasks.
- A written list of questions about treatment and monitoring.
After your consultation and follow-up
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition, so regular review is usual, especially early on while treatment is adjusted to reach the target. After your visit you may receive prescriptions, referrals to physiotherapy or occupational therapy, and follow-up dates with blood tests to monitor your response and watch for side effects. Reports and results can be obtained through the hospital. A second opinion is your right. Seek prompt care for a sudden severe flare, a single very hot swollen joint with fever, which can indicate infection, or new symptoms outside the joints.
Booking, referrals and fees
As NUH is a public hospital, a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another doctor is generally the usual route and can support subsidy eligibility for citizens and permanent residents. For eligible procedures, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while outpatient consultations are commonly paid out of pocket. Subsidy and billing depend on your status and services used, so confirm current fees directly with the hospital.
Common questions
What does treat-to-target mean?
It means setting a clear goal, usually low disease activity or remission, and adjusting treatment step by step until that target is reached, then maintaining it with ongoing review.
Why is early treatment important in rheumatoid arthritis?
Treating early, while inflammation is recent, gives the best chance of controlling the disease and limiting joint damage, which is why prompt assessment of new joint swelling is encouraged.
Will I need lifelong medication?
Many people need ongoing treatment to keep the disease controlled, though doses may be reduced once the target is reached and maintained. This is reviewed regularly.
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect more than the joints?
Yes. It is a systemic condition that can affect other parts of the body, which is one reason regular monitoring is part of care.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of rheumatologists in Singapore and our shortlist of rheumatology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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