Target Waiting Time for Subsidised Patients between First and Second Specialist Patient Appointments at Public Health Institutions

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there is a target waiting time for subsidised patients between their first and second specialist patient appointments at the public health institutions; (b) what is the current average waiting time for subsidised patients to be seen for their first and second specialist appointments in public health institutions; and (c) what are the measures taken to achieve the target waiting times, given the increased patient backlog due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The time between the first and second Specialist Outpatient Clinic (SOC) appointments is dependent on many factors. These include a determination by the specialist on the severity of the condition, the clinical need for early monitoring, the need for intervening investigations before the next appointment and the types of treatment and procedures needed at the next appointment.

Hence, MOH does not set a target wait time for patients’ second SOC appointment nor track the time between the first and second SOC appointments. However, if the patient’s condition requires an earlier review, the patient can contact the SOC for advice and the clinical team will work with the patient to determine whether an earlier appointment can be scheduled.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have put in place various measures to continue care for patients requiring SOC care. These measures include prioritising patients with higher medical needs for earlier SOC appointment, providing teleconsultation for suitable patients, providing home-delivery of medications so that patients can be assured of a sufficient supply, regular case reviews by the doctor-in-charge, contacting the patients to check on their progress and offering earlier teleconsultation or in-person consultation at the SOC, if needed.