PALEMBANG HOUSING ESTATE (Building of out-patient clinic)

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Minister for Health whether an outpatient clinic will be built in the vicinity of the present Palembang Housing Estate.

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the residents of Palembang Housing Estate should find no difficulty in getting outpatient service at the Kallang and Kampong Bugis Outpatient Dispensaries, both of which are within one mile distance from the Housing Estate.

It is estimated that there are at present about 12,290 people living in the aforementioned area. However, on completion of the redevelopment of the area within the next five years, there would be a population of 30,000. These two outpatient dispensaries could still easily cater for this increased number of residents.

No new outpatient clinic will, therefore, be built in Palembang Housing Estate.

Mr Low Yong Nguan: Mr Speaker. Sir, of the two outpatient clinics mentioned by the Minister, I suspect that at least one of them will be demolished within the next few years. If so, can the Minister consider building a clinic on the centre of this area to cater for the residents of the housing estate?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker. Sir, am not aware that one of the clinics will be demolished within the next few years. But if it is going to be demolished, alternative arrangements will, of course, be made.