Inclusion of More Private Sector Clinics in Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) given the long waiting time for subsidised intervention for special needs children, whether the Ministry will consider engaging more private sector clinics to participate in the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC); (b) whether the application process for EIPIC can begin at polyclinics before a paediatrician's formal diagnosis; (c) what means testing will be carried out to determine eligibility; and (d) whether placements will be based on severity of condition or on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: Children with developmental needs are assessed by a paediatrician, to determine the level of Early Intervention (EI) support each child requires. Only children assessed to require medium to high levels of EI support are referred to Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) or EIPIC-P.

Currently, there are 29 EIPIC-P centres providing a total of 1,600 places, up from 16 centres providing 400 places in 2021. As announced at MSF's Committee of Supply debate, ECDA will be adding 1,500 new spaces in EIPIC and EIPIC-P in 2024. Once a referral is made, placement is generally on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, EI centres will prioritise placement for older children aged five to six years old to allow at least one year of intervention before the child transits to mainstream or special education (SPED) schools.

Means-testing is not used to assess eligibility, but to determine the out-of-pocket fees payable.