CLINIC IN THOMSON CONSTITUENCY

Mr Leong Horn Kee asked the Minister for Health whether there is any plan to set up a polyclinic or an outpatient clinic in the Thomson Constituency.

The Minister of State for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, I will reply on behalf of my Minister.

Residents living in Thomson Constituency are currently served by two nearby Government clinics at Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio, which are easily accessible to the residents. A new clinic is being built at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh. When opened in 1987, residents in the Thomson Constituency will be able to make use of this clinic.

The Ministry has no plans to build a clinic in the Thomson Constituency.

Mr Leong Horn Kee (Thomson): Sir, may I ask the Minister of State whether he is aware that very large numbers of HDB flats are being built in Thomson Constituency? There is one big estate called Bishan East, and there are few other smaller estates called Bishan West, Bishan North and the Soon Foo Estate. In view of this growing number of HDB estates and the large increase in the number of residents, would the Minister of State consider having a polyclinic or outpatient clinic in Thomson Constituency?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, the existing two clinics at Ang Mo Kio and Toa Payoh will be adequate to cater for the needs of all the new towns around these two clinics, including the new town of Bishan. However, the Ministry will continue to review the utilization of these two polyclinics and will take the necessary measures if they are fully utilized.