Assignment Process and Criteria for Oncologists at Public Cancer Institutions to Patients with Rare Cancers

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health regarding oncologist assignments for rare cancers at public cancer institutions (a) what is the process for the assignment of patients to oncologists; and (b) whether patients with a specific rare cancer diagnosis are assigned to oncologists with the highest recorded case volume or declared sub-specialty interest in that cancer.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Patients seen at public healthcare institutions are generally assigned to an oncologist based on the type of cancer diagnosed, their clinical needs and the expertise required. Patients may also be supported by multidisciplinary teams comprising medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, as well as other relevant specialists, where appropriate.