DOCTORS (SHORTAGE)

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Minister for Health whether he can confirm that there is now no shortage of doctors in Singapore.

Mr Braga: Mr Speaker, Sir, to answer the general question as to whether there is a shortage of doctors in Singapore is a difficult one, but I would say that there is a shortage of doctors in Singapore. The Medical Advisory Council advises me that there are 484 doctors on the medical register, but, measured by international standards, with a population of 1,200,000 in Singapore, we ought to have 1,300 doctors if a full medical cover is to be provided for every citizen.

Mr Lim Choon Mong: If there is a shortage of doctors, Sir, what steps is the Minister taking to remedy that?

Mr Braga: I am not sure whether the last speaker is not confused. Is he asking me whether there is a shortage of doctors in Singapore or a shortage of doctors in my Ministry?

Mr Lim Choon Mong: One has a bearing on the other, Sir, and if there is a shortage of doctors in Singapore, there must evidently be a shortage of doctors in the Ministry, and vice versa.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members must ask questions and not make statements.

Mr Braga: He should be aware of that, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Order.