Number of Referrals to Specialist Clinics by Polyclinics and GPs, and Difference in Subsidies Granted for Such Referrals

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Health (a) in the past 10 years, what is the total number of referrals to specialist clinics at public hospitals from (i) polyclinics and (ii) general practitioners (GPs), respectively; (b) whether there is a difference in subsidies granted to patients referred by polyclinics and GPs; and (c) how many such patients referred by GPs have requested for and been granted further subsidies when hospitalised in Class C wards.

Over the last ten years, the total number of referrals from polyclinics and general practitioner (GP) clinics to specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) in public hospitals are 3.9 million and 0.74 million respectively. Specifically, the number of referrals from GPs have increased significantly, from 65,000 in 2014 to 88,000 in 2023.

Patients who are Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Merdeka Generation (MG) or Pioneer Generation (PG) cardholders referred from CHAS GP clinics are eligible for subsidised care at public SOCs, based on their citizenship and means-test status, similar to patients referred from polyclinics. Should these patients be hospitalised subsequently, they are also similarly eligible for subsidies based on their citizenship and means-test status and choice of ward class.