PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT GENERAL CLINICS (Attendances)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Health if he will (i) give the percentage of attendances at private and Government general clinics for the years 1992 to 1994 and (ii) consider extending the visiting hours in Government general clinics or providing more clinics in order to increase attendances.

The Minister of State for Health (Dr Aline K. Wong) (for the Minister for Health): Mr Speaker, Sir, the attendances at private general practitioner (GP) clinics are estimated once every five years based on surveys conducted by the Ministry. The surveys done were in 1988 and 1993. In 1988, GPs attended to 80% and Government clinics 20% of the total number of patients. The 1993 survey showed a slight increase in the proportion of patients seen by the GPs at 82%.

The pattern of illnesses seen at GP clinics differs somewhat from those seen at Government clinics. GP clinics attend to more of acute conditions with a lower proportion of chronic conditions. Government clinics, however, see a higher proportion of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These are conditions requiring long-term care and management.

Attendances at Government clinics have fallen for two main reasons. First, there are now more GP clinics which are conveniently located near patients' homes. Second, with higher incomes, most Singaporeans can afford to consult GPs. As most GP clinics are open at night, there is no need for Government clinics to extend their operating hours. We also have a 24-hour clinic at Singapore General Hospital for non-emergency cases. We will continue to build Government clinics in HDB new towns where there is a need for such services.