PRIVATIZATION OF HEALTH SERVICES

Dr Ang Kok Peng asked the Minister for Health (a) to what extent his Ministry intends to privatise health services currently provided by the Government; and (b) what safeguards will be taken to ensure that medical services will remain as accessible to all as at present and that the fees charged are also affordable by all.

The Minister of State for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Health intends to restructure the system of delivery of Government hospital services to promote greater efficiency and economy. It is envisaged that eventually, acute Government hospitals will be run as independent autonomous hospitals, each with its own administration and management. The Ministry has not decided on the final form the restructured hospitals will take or the extent and time-frame within which they will be implemented.

However, I would like to assure the Member for Buona Vista that the Government will always ensure that hospital services for the lower income groups will be provided through an adequate number of subsidized beds in the restructured hospitals and that the fees charged will be affordable by all. The indigent will continue to receive free treatment. Those who are in financial difficulties can continue to apply for remission of fees.