Operation of Community Hospitals by Cooperatives

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Health whether his Ministry can consider asking cooperatives, such as NTUC, to operate community hospitals.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Community Hospitals (CHs) play an important role in providing sub-acute and rehabilitation care for patients who have been stabilised from an acute hospital episode but still require continuing care during their recovery phase.

MOH is building more CHs, with Jurong Community Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital expected to be completed in 2015. We are also working with CHs to enhance their capabilities, in particular, through manpower training and development, in order to better serve the needs of an ageing population. With the expansion of the CH sector, MOH is, indeed, open to working with new players to help run and add value to these services.

Potential CH operators must have the capability to provide clinical services and attend to the continuing care needs of patients. They must also be able to work closely with other health and eldercare providers within the Regional Health System to provide integrated care to patients. They will need to have clinical, resourcing and administrative capabilities to run the hospital in a safe and sustainable manner. Co-operatives, social enterprises, public healthcare clusters, VWOs or private operators which are able to meet the criteria will be eligible to operate CHs.