Median Waiting Times for First Subsidised Specialist Outpatient Appointments by Specialty and Measures to Reduce Longest Delays

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what are the current median waiting times for first subsidised specialist outpatient appointments, by specialty; and (b) what measures are being taken to reduce waiting times in specialties experiencing the longest delays.

Between January and June 2026, the overall median waiting time for a new subsidised Specialist Outpatient Clinic appointment was 23 days. The median waiting time ranged from 20 to 25 days for the top five specialties by attendances. These are orthopaedic surgery, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, general surgery and dermatology.

While we monitor median waiting times, we should note that all referrals are clinically triaged and prioritised based on urgency of the medical condition. What is more important is that patients assessed to have more serious or time-sensitive conditions are given earlier appointments, regardless of subsidy status.

For specialist care with longer waiting times, we have implemented a range of measures to address this. These include expanding capacity, maximising appointment slots, working closely with primary care providers, community care and allied health-led services to facilitate direct access to allied health and diagnostic services, where appropriate and support the co-management and continued care of patients in the community.