Target Waiting Time for Subsidised Patients between First and Second Specialist Patient Appointments at the Public Health Institutions

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1085
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 APRIL 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Shahira Abdullah
Nominated Member of Parliament

Question No. 2765

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether there is a target waiting time for subsidised patients between their first and second specialist patient appointments at the public health institutions; (b) what is the current average waiting time for subsidised patients to be seen for their first and second specialist appointments in public health institutions; and (c) what are the measures taken to achieve the target waiting times given the increased patient backlog due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Written Answer

The time between the first and second Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) appointments is dependent on the many factors. This includes a determination by the specialist on the severity of the condition, the clinical need for early monitoring, the need for intervening investigations before the next appointment, and the types of treatment and procedures needed at the next appointment. Hence, MOH does not set a target wait time for patients’ second SOC appointment nor track the time between the first and second SOC appointments. However, if the patient’s condition requires an earlier review, the patient can contact the SOC for advice and the clinical team will work with the patient to determine whether an earlier appointment can be scheduled.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have put in place various measures to continue care for patients requiring SOC care. These measures include prioritising patients with higher medical needs for earlier SOC appointment, providing tele-consultation for suitable patients, providing home-delivery of medications so that patients can be assured of a sufficient supply, regular case reviews by the doctor-in-charge, contacting the patients to check on their progress and offering earlier teleconsultation or in-person consultation at the SOC if needed.