ANG MO KIO POLYCLINIC (Dental and psychiatric treatment)

Mr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Finance and Minister for Health (a) whether out-patient dental treatment will be provided in the Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic to meet the growing demand for dental needs of the residents living in Ang Mo Kio New Town; and (b) whether outpatient psychiatric treatment will also be available in the Polyclinic in the near future.

The Minister of State for Health and Foreign Affairs (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong) (for the Minister for Finance and Minister for Health): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministry has no plan to set up an outpatient dental clinic within the Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic. This is because the dental clinic at Toa Payoh Hospital and the outpatient dental clinic at Jalan Kayu Polyclinic can also cater to residents of Ang Mo Kio. Also, those who want and can afford a more personalized service can have a choice of treatment from at least 10 private dental clinics presently operating in Ang Mo Kio New Town.

The Ministry does not intend to extend outpatient psychiatric treatment to the Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic in the near future. There is no need for this since the Specialist Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic at Woodbridge Hospital and the two Psychiatric Outpatient Clinics at the Lim Ah Pin Polyclinic and Pegu Road Outpatient Dispensary are within reasonable reach of Ang Mo Kio residents.