COMMUNITY HOSPITALS

Mr J.B. Jeyaretnam asked the Minister for Health whether any progress has been made in the proposed plan to set up community hospitals announced in the National Health Plan and whether the hospitals will be operated by the Ministry of Health or as private hospitals under statutory boards.

Dr Hu Tsu Tau: The Ministry of Health is currently studying the development of community hospitals as part of the Ministry's total hospital redevelopment programme. It has not yet finalised its plans for building community hospitals.

The final decision regarding the size and location of the community hospital will have to take into account the demand for additional hospital beds as projected in the National Health Plan. The Ministry is now exploring with the Housing and Development Board for a suitable site for a community hospital in one of the new towns.

The Ministry has not decided on the form of management and administration of the proposed community hospital.