Transport Assistance Measures Available for Patients with Mobility Needs Requiring Multiple Medical Appointments

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry has studied the transport costs incurred by patients with mobility needs who have multiple medical appointments; and (b) what measures are available to assist such patients with transport to and from their medical appointments.

The transport costs incurred by patients with mobility needs vary depending on the type of transport required, the frequency of appointments, and the proximity of the medical appointments to their homes. The Ministry of Health therefore does not track such costs.

Seniors who are unable to travel independently for their medical appointments can tap on the Medical Escort and Transport (MET) service for medical appointments at hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics and polyclinics. Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy. Seniors who require MET services may call the Agency for Integrated Care’s (AIC) hotline or approach a nearby AIC Link for help.