Gan Thiam Poh on Building a Healthier SG

The preventive care model is yet another step in Singapore's journey to help its people "maintain their best health and live more good years", says MP Gan Thiam Poh. He said the proposals will further strengthen the role of GPs in the national healthcare framework. It is a "superior strategy" and "deserves our full support", he said. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 5), he stressed the need to balance patients’ confidentiality and operational efficiency. He also wanted to know how the Ministry of Health will maintain the balance between the need and demand for certain medications. He also hopes residents can be allowed to visit more than one GP at similarly subsidised rates in the management of diseases. He pointed out that some GPs may be more experienced and skilled at managing certain diseases. Each patient may like to have a principal GP in attendance and be assisted by specialists upon referrals, he said. He also asked what would happen to the doctors who have patients who do not stick to their healthcare plans.