Many poor villagers could not afford their medical fees, let alone travelled to the nearest hospital which was at least 28km away from Ama Keng Village. Dr Tan Cheng Bock generously accepted their eggs, vegetable and chickens in exchange for the consultation and medicine. He also waived the fees for those who could not pay. Over time, a special bonding between Dr Tan Cheng Bock and the villagers was developed. Even till today, the highly respected doctor still keeps in contact with his former patients from Ama Keng.
Like others, Ama Keng Clinic was affected by the resettlement plans of Ama Keng in the late eighties. Dr Tan Cheng Bock shifted his medical practice, which had retained the name “Ama Keng Clinic”, three times before settled down at Jurong West. It was eventually closed in late 2012, after a long significant 41-years of history.