Reducing Average Waiting Time for Beds in Nursing Homes

Mr Vikram Nair asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the current average waiting time for a nursing home bed; and (b) whether the Ministry intends to take any steps to reduce this waiting time.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The median waiting time for a nursing home bed has remained stable at around one month.

The waiting time for a nursing home bed depends on the seniors' care needs, family preferences and available capacity. The Ministry of Health is increasing nursing home capacity from over 20,000 beds today to 31,000 beds in 2030. We will continue to monitor nursing home waiting times and utilisation rates, and adjust our nursing home capacity plans accordingly.