Debated in Parliament on 7 Jul 2026.
Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how many public hospitals currently deploy (i) surgical robots and (ii) non-clinical service robots such as for logistics, cleaning and patient assistance; and (b) what has been the measured impact of such robots on clinical outcomes, patient safety, staff workload and productivity.
Dr Choo Pei Ling asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry’s assessment of the long-term impact of robotics and automation on healthcare manpower demands in nursing, allied health and support care roles; and (b) whether there are plans to track and publish indicators on job redesign and productivity gains from robotics in the public healthcare sector.
Public hospitals, such as the National University Hospital, the Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, have deployed robotic-assisted surgical (RAS) systems for minimally invasive soft-tissue surgeries. These hospitals possess relevant clinical expertise and sufficient demand based on accepted clinical indications to justify procurement of these RAS systems. The results, such as clinical outcomes and post-operative complications, for conditions indicated under RAS have so far been comparable to conventional surgical approaches.
Robotics and automation technologies can potentially improve operational efficiency, ease staff workload and improve care to patients. With rising patient numbers and workload, appropriate usage of such technology can help mitigate the manpower shortages in the healthcare sector, including allied health and supportive roles over time. At an appropriate juncture, we can commission a detailed academic study on its impact.
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