Polyclinic Appointment System Ensures Better Allocation of Resources

We thank Ms Fang for her feedback on polyclinic appointments (Room for improvement for polyclinic appointment system, 8 July).

Given their high patient volume, polyclinics generally operate on an appointment basis to ensure better allocation of resources to cater to demand, and to better manage waiting times. We encourage patients to book appointments before turning up at the polyclinics to minimise their wait times. 

Ms Fang raised concerns that some seniors might have difficulties in booking appointments online. Patients who are unable to navigate online booking systems can contact the respective polyclinic clusters’ call centres, or walk into the polyclinics where there are staff on-site to help guide them in using the online platforms or help them book an appointment if needed. Additionally, the polyclinics will set aside some slots for walk-in patients every day, which can cater to those who were unable to secure an appointment online or via the call centre. We would like to reassure Ms Fang that patients requiring urgent medical attention will be tended to in a timely manner.

Our healthcare system is facing increasing demands, as our population ages and develops more complex care needs. This might sometimes lead to longer waiting times at the polyclinics especially during peak periods. We seek Ms Fang’s understanding as we work towards injecting more capacity into our healthcare system.

Ruth Lim (Dr)

Director, Primary & Community Care Division

Ministry of Health