Licensing of Medical Clinics to Consider Healthier SG Participation

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1549
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 29 NOVEMBER 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Yip Hon Weng
MP for Yio Chu Kang

Question No. 2465

To ask the Minister for Health (a) in the past three years, how many medical clinic licences have been granted; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider making participation in Healthier SG a prerequisite to grant such licences or prioritise the applications of general practitioners who wish to participate.

Written Answer

From 2019 to 2021, around 1,300 medical clinic licences per year have been granted under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act.

The main objective of the Act is to safeguard patient safety and welfare. To grant a medical clinic licence, MOH’s key considerations are the character and fitness of the licensee, the ability of the licensee to operate a medical clinic in accordance with prescribed regulatory requirements and the suitability of the premises. 

Participation in government schemes, such as Healthier SG or the Community and Health Assist Scheme, are encourage and welcomed, but is not a prerequisite, as clinics may have different business considerations.