MAKING SINGAPORE A `MEDICAL HUB'

Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for Health if there are plans in place to use the opportunities, which this economic downturn may offer, to make Singapore into a `medical hub' for the region in the near future.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: At present, Singapore is already widely acknowledged as a regional medical hub. Many patients from the region seek medical treatment in Singapore, especially for more complicated medical conditions. Many international and regional conferences are also held in Singapore, attracting doctors and other participants from the region. With the current economic downturn, the number of regional patients coming here for treatment has declined. However, MOH will continue to facilitate the efforts of various associations to attract medical conferences and exhibitions to Singapore.

At the same time, the current economic situation does present us with some opportunities to strengthen our position as the regional medical hub. The downturn has resulted in fewer public sector doctors leaving to join the private sector. More senior specialists from the private sector have also indicated their interest in joining the Visiting Consultant Scheme in public hospitals. Such developments will enable the public sector hospitals to build up their manpower resources, and further enhance their expertise, capabilities and patient services.

The Ministry's plans for the setting up of the National Centres for Heart, Cancer and Neuroscience are proceeding as planned. These Centres will provide complex tertiary clinical services for the nation, and will also be focal points for medical research and teaching in their respective specialties.

I would like to assure the Member for Kreta Ayer-Tanglin GRC that the Ministry of Health will continue with efforts to make our healthcare system relevant and better. This will ensure that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy a high standard of medical care, and we are able to maintain our reputation as a regional centre of medical excellence.