PLANS FOR POLYCLINIC IN POTONG PASIR

14 JANUARY 2013

Question No. 386

PLANS FOR POLYCLINIC IN POTONG PASIR

Name of Person: Mr Sitoh Yih Pin

Question

To ask the Minister for Health whether there are plans to open a polyclinic in Potong Pasir in the near future.

Answer

1.      The primary care needs of the residents of Potong Pasir are served through Toa Payoh polyclinic as well as 46 GP and 25 Dental clinics in the Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh areas.

2.       Toa Payoh polyclinic, which is located less than 1.5 km from Potong Pasir, is the nearest polyclinic. It was renovated and expanded in 2010 to keep up with growing demand for care in the Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh areas. The polyclinic’s capacity was expanded with an increase in the number of consultation rooms, nursing rooms and allied health rooms. 3 To cater to the elderly patients living in the vicinity of the polyclinic, a new payment queue system has been implemented to allow elderly patients to sit and wait for their queue number to be called, instead of standing in line.

3.       Measures to improve patients’ experience have also been made through an extension to the drop-off area, redesigned registration and waiting areas as well as expanded laboratory and pharmacy areas to better accommodate patient flow.

4.       Aside from the polyclinic, Potong Pasir residents up to the median income and above the age of 40 years old can also take advantage of the enhanced Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) to enjoy subsidized health care services in 23 GP clinics and 16 dental clinics in the Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh areas that participate in the scheme.

5.       We currently do not plan to have another polyclinic in the Potong Pasir-Toa Payoh area. Nevertheless, my ministry will continually review our plans to ensure that the healthcare needs of the residents are met