Ong Ye Kung on enrolment for Healthier SG

The Government started the Healthier SG pre-enrolment exercise in May so that residents aged 40 and above with chronic care needs can continue to be cared for by their regular general practitioner (GP) clinics. More than 47,000 of these residents have been pre-enrolled. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who gave this update in reply to MPs’ questions in Parliament on Monday (Jul 3), said the response has been “encouraging”. He pointed out that national enrolment will commence from Jul 5 and will have to be done in phases to manage the workload of GP clinics and polyclinics, as well as ensure that residents have a positive experience. The Government will prioritise those with chronic conditions, followed by those aged 60 and above. It hopes to extend this to residents aged 40 to 59 next year. Mr Ong said Healthier SG family doctors will be guided by care protocols. So far, 12 such protocols have been developed. He said each requires significant consultation, coordination and preparation, as well as training. He said the Government will expand the coverage and intends to cover mental health in due course. Mr Ong also said that as Healthier SG is progressively rolled out and stabilised, it is possible for residents to receive annual health reports.