Waiting Time and Capacity Surge Management Strategies at Public Hospitals In View of New IP Rider Requirements

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health in view of the new Integrated Shield Plan rider requirements (a) what waiting-time thresholds is the Ministry monitoring across public hospitals for non-urgent procedures and elective scans; (b) whether significant changes in waiting times have been recorded in the first three months since April 2026; and (c) what patient-volume threshold will trigger surge capacity activation and which procedures are prioritised.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The change in Integrated Shield plan rider requirements to moderate private healthcare cost increases is not a key driver of wait times, and neither are wait times for non-urgent procedures and elective scans direct indicators of capacity in public hospitals. Between January and June 2026, public hospitals have reported stable median monthly wait times for non-urgent procedures and elective scans.

Patients who need more time-sensitive procedures or scans, based on their conditions, will be prioritised.