Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Scam alert: Beware of emails impersonating MOH that request for a mandatory “Digital Health Verification”.


MOH does not own this portal and will only request verification via official channels. If in doubt, call the MOH hotline at 6325 9220 to verify the email’s authenticity.

Ministry of Health
Parliamentary QA

POLYCLINIC REFERRALS

3 July 2023

This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1950 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 JULY 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of ParliamentDr Lim Wee KiakMP for Sembawang GRC


Question No. 4643


To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether public hospitals are allowed to reject patients referred by polyclinics because their residential addresses fall outside the healthcare cluster and, if so, what percentage of referrals are rejected for this reason; and (b) how will the Ministry assist such patients, including hospital staff, who may be denied access to their workplace’s outpatient benefits due to their residential addresses.

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1950 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 3 JULY 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of ParliamentDr Lim Wee KiakMP for Sembawang GRC


Question No. 4644


To ask the Minister for Health (a) how does the Ministry plan to improve the triage process for patients referred to public hospitals by polyclinics, ensuring transparent justifications for rejecting referrals; and (b) what plans does the Ministry have to ensure effective communication in cases of rejected referrals, while establishing appropriate channels for follow-up and resolution.


Answer

1 Mr Deputy Speaker, may I have your permission to answer PQ 24 and 25 on today’s Order Paper? 


2 Public hospitals do not reject patients referred by polyclinics based on their residential address. Public hospitals may occasionally reject patients if the referrals are inappropriate, such as to a specialty that the hospital does not provide.


3 Patients are also prioritised based on their medical condition and need. In rare situations, if the hospital is not able to provide an appointment within the time demanded by the urgency of the case, then the hospitals will inform patients and the referring polyclinics to direct the referral to a more appropriate institution, e.g. one where there are more timely slots available. The polyclinics will discuss alternative arrangements with the patient, including making a referral to another institution where applicable. 


4 Patients may also contact the polyclinic, hospital or the Cluster’s main appointment centre to seek clarification and assistance for their referrals.