Medical Clinic Licenses Granted in Past Three Years and Making Participation in Healthier SG a Prerequisite

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) in the past three years, how many medical clinic licences have been granted; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider making participation in Healthier SG a prerequisite to grant such licences or prioritise the applications of general practitioners who wish to participate.

From 2019 to 2021, around 1,300 medical clinic licences per year have been granted under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act.

The main objective of the Act is to safeguard patient safety and welfare. To grant a medical clinic licence, MOH key considerations are the character and fitness of the licensee, the ability of the licensee to operate a medical clinic in accordance with prescribed regulatory requirements and the suitability of the premises.

Participation in Government schemes, such as Healthier SG or the Community and Health Assist Scheme, are encourage and welcomed, but is not a prerequisite, as clinics may have different business considerations.