Target Waiting Time for Subsidised Patients between First and Second Specialist Patient Appointments at Public Health Institutions
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the target and average waiting times for subsidised patients' first and second specialist appointments and measures to manage pandemic-related backlogs. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung clarified that the Ministry of Health does not set targets or track intervals for second appointments because scheduling depends on individual clinical needs and investigations. He noted that patients needing urgent reviews can contact their specialist clinics for potential rescheduling based on clinical assessment. To address backlogs, hospitals prioritise high-needs cases and utilise teleconsultations and medication home delivery to maintain care delivery. Additionally, clinical teams conduct regular case reviews and proactive outreach to offer earlier consultations whenever a patient's condition necessitates it.
Transcript
82 Dr Shahira Abdullah asked 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.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The time between the first and second Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) appointments is dependent on many factors. These include 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 teleconsultation 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.