SUBSIDY AT POLYCLINICS

Dr Ong Seh Hong asked the Minister for Health what is the Government's subsidy per attendance at polyclinics for (i) acute illnesses and (ii) chronic illnesses.

Dr Ong Seh Hong asked the Minister for Health what is the amount of his Ministry's payment to general practitioners under the Primary Healthcare Partnership Scheme as compared to the subsidy given to the polyclinics.

Dr Ong Seh Hong asked the Minister for Health whether the Primary Healthcare Partnership Scheme covers chronic illnesses such as hypertension, and if not, why not.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: The Government provides 50% subsidy for adult patients and 75% subsidy for child and elderly patients who seek medical treatments at polyclinics. In dollar terms, an adult would receive $10 subsidy per attendance for acute illness and $36 subsidy per attendance for chronic illness. For child and elderly patients, the Government's subsidy is higher, at $15.50 per attendance for acute illness and $54 per attendance for chronic illness.

General practitioners (GPs) contracted under the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS) are subsidised on the same basis as elderly attendance at the polyclinics to cover their operating costs, rental and GST. GPs are paid $18.50 for each elderly patient that they see.

PCPS covers common outpatient medical services and dental services. It does not cover chronic conditions such as hypertension. This is because proper management of chronic conditions requires a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals to achieve good treatment outcomes. Polyclinics are in a better position to provide such comprehensive care.