TOA PAYOH HOSPITAL/TAN TOCK SENG HOSPITAL (Redevelopment)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Finance, Minister for Health and Minister for Education, in view of the increasing population in Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and Bishan Housing Estates, whether the Ministry of Health has any plans to redevelop or expand the Toa Payoh and Tan Tock Seng Hospitals to cope with the rising demand for medical care; and, if not, whether the Ministry will consider building a community hospital in each of these housing estates.

The Minister of State for Health and Foreign Affairs (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong) (for the Minister for Finance, Minister for Health and Minister for Education): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

The answer is yes. The Ministry plans to redevelop both the Toa Payoh and Tan Tock Seng Hospitals to provide more beds to meet the needs of the increasing population in Ang Mo Kio, Yishun and Bishan New Towns.

The Ministry is currently looking into the possibility of establishing community hospitals in some of the major housing estates. Plans for one community hospital to be built as a pilot project are expected to be finalized before the end of this year.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, may I know from the Minister of State when the redevelopment of Toa Payoh and Tan Tock Seng Hospitals will be carried out?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Plans for the redevelopment of these two hospitals are expected to be completed within the next 18 months.