GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS (Privatization)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Acting Minister for Health why it is necessary to privatize all Government hospitals and whether it will be in the interest of the Government to retain at least one hospital under its management.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, let me first clarify that the Government has been restructuring the management and operation of Government hospitals and not privatising them.

We believe that the autonomous restructured hospitals are able to provide better and more efficient hospital services.

This has been borne out by the experience of the National University Hospital, the Singapore General Hospital and the National Skin Centre. Surveys at these institutions reveal a high level of patient satisfaction with their services. The result has been a significant increase in their patient load over the past year. Their share of subsidised patients has also increased.

Since the restructured hospitals are better able to serve the needs of patients, we will be working towards the eventual restructuring of all acute Government hospitals.

However, we have noted the feedback and concerns of some MPs on the current pace of restructuring. As I had informed this House during the Budget debate in March this year, my Ministry has deferred the restructuring of Alexandra Hospital.

Dr Vasoo: Is the Minister considering retaining at least one hospital to be under the management of Government?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, as I have stated in my answer, we will be working for the eventual restructuring of all Government hospitals. However, we have decided to defer the restructuring of Alexandra Hospital for the time being.