POLYCLINIC MEDICAL CENTRE AT YISHUN CENTRAL (Increase in medical charges)

Mr Cheo Chai Chen asked the Minister for Health whether medical charges at the new polyclinic at Yishun Central, opposite Block 647, will increase when it becomes a medical centre; and whether he will confirm that the medical centre will start operating in January 1994.

The Minister of State for Health (Dr Aline K. Wong) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Yishun Medical Centre will be leased out to private medical practitioners who will determine their own charges to the patients. Such charges may vary according to the types of services rendered, the experience and qualifications of the doctors, and so on. My Ministry will not be controlling their charges.

The Centre is scheduled to start operating in March 1994.

Mr Cheo Chai Chen (Nee Soon Central): Sir, can the Minister tell me what types of services will be provided in this medical centre?

Dr Aline Wong: In this medical centre, there will be 14 clinical suites which may house GP clinics, specialist clinics and dental clinics, five retail suites which will be for health related retail services, one pharmacy, one X-ray suite and one clinical laboratory.