Service Standards for Non-emergency or Private Ambulance Services

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry imposes service standards for the operation of non-emergency or private ambulance services that include waiting times; and (b) if so, what are they.

Ambulance services providing non-emergency conveyances are licensed as Medical Transport Service under the Healthcare Services Act.

Licensing condition includes adhering to regulations covering quality assurance standards, such as training and competencies of service crew, ensuring that vehicles are equipped with necessary medications, consumables and equipment; and service-related standards that cover price transparency and bill itemisation.

Waiting times are not specifically included in the requirements, but licensed providers are required to establish care protocols, which, if adhered to, will ensure the safe and timely conveyance of patients.