Likely Impact on Quality and Continuity of Care for Patients Who Travel to Johor Bahru for Healthcare Given Upcoming RTS Link

Dr Haresh Singaraju asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the likely impact of the upcoming RTS Link on the number of residents travelling to Johor Bahru for medical care and prescription medicines; and (b) what measures are planned to safeguard continuity and safety of care for patients with chronic conditions who receive part of their care or medicines outside Singapore's healthcare system.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: With greater convenience from the upcoming Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System Link, more residents may choose to seek healthcare services or obtain medicines across the border.

Overseas healthcare providers are not regulated by the Singapore Ministry of Health. Residents should therefore exercise due diligence when seeking treatment or purchasing medicines outside Singapore. It would also be advisable for them to retain and share their overseas medical records with their local healthcare providers back in Singapore, for the continuity of their care.