Accessible subsidised healthcare at GP clinics beyond polyclinics’ operating hours

MOH's Reply

Straits Times, 30 September 2016

Accessible subsidised healthcare at GP clinics beyond polyclinics’ operating hours

We thank Mr K. Ravintharan for his suggestion to extend the operating hours of our polyclinics ("Extend polyclinics' operating hours"; 21 September).

Polyclinics and general practitioners (GPs) are responsible for the provision of primary care.

Currently, GP clinics islandwide play a key role in providing 80 per cent of the primary care needs of Singaporeans.

Besides being accessible, GP clinics also offer affordable primary care through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). Currently, about 950 GP clinics participate in CHAS, and of these, more than 300 operate in the evenings.

This extensive network of clinics is able to cater to the primary care needs of Singaporeans beyond the operating hours of polyclinics.

To ensure continued delivery of care beyond their operating hours, polyclinics share the contact details of nearby GP clinics with patients, so that they may seek treatment there after polyclinic operating hours.

To make it more convenient for working adults with chronic diseases to manage their condition, some polyclinics also collaborate with GPs, so that such patients are referred to a GP clinic nearer their homes for regular follow-up.

We will continue to work with polyclinics and GPs to strengthen primary care and to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Singaporeans.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health

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Forum Letter

Straits Times, 21 September 2016

Extend polyclinics' operating hours

I am requesting that the Ministry of Health consider extending polyclinic hours to 10pm on weekdays and to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

As polyclinics are located in HDB estates, they serve many residents who need affordable medical care after office hours and on weekends.

It is expensive to seek treatment at private 24-hour clinics located in HDB estates after midnight and on Sundays and public holidays.

Extending polyclinic operating hours would certainly help ease the workload at the accident and emergency departments at hospitals, and reduce waiting times at polyclinics. It would also benefit working residents, who would be able to seek affordable treatment after work.

If the proposal is successful, perhaps the Health Ministry could consider operating regional 24-hour polyclinics, one in each of the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of Singapore.

K. Ravintharan