AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR LATE-STAGE CANCER PATIENTS TO COMMENCE CHEMOTHERAPY IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 46

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Yip Hon Weng

MP for Yio Chu Kang

Question No. 261

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the current average waiting time for late-stage cancer patients to commence chemotherapy treatment in public hospitals; (b) whether there have been instances where chemotherapy for late-stage cancer patients had to be denied or significantly delayed specifically due to resource constraints; and (c) if so, how are these situations managed.

Answer

1. The Member may wish to refer to the written reply given to Parliament Question No. 5883 on 26 June 2024. The timing of chemotherapy depends on a range of reasons, including clinical considerations. MOH therefore does not track the waiting times to treatment for cancer patients as it is not a meaningful indicator.

2. We are not aware of any instances of late-stage cancer patients whose chemotherapy treatment had been denied or significantly delayed due to resource constraints in the public healthcare institutions. Our healthcare providers will continue to work closely with patients to optimise their treatment plans while ensuring appropriate and timely care.