MEDICAL STAFF IN POLYCLINICS (Increase in number)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for Health if his Ministry will consider increasing the medical staff in polyclinics so as to reduce the present waiting time.

Dr Aline Wong (for the Minister for Health): Sir, the Ministry would be able to post more doctors to polyclinics by the middle of this year. This would help to reduce waiting time somewhat.

However, waiting time at the polyclinics depends not only on the number of doctors but also on the arrival time of the patients. The waiting time at peak hours is longer than at non-peak hours. In general, the median waiting time to see the polyclinic doctor after registration, as shown in a January 1994 survey, was 19 minutes. Patients who require repeat visits to the polyclinics are given appointments during off-peak hours. We have been educating polyclinic patients to keep to their appointments.