SINGAPORE - Previously, repeat polyclinic patients were required to either pay higher fees to make an appointment with a family physician, or just turn up at the clinic to be assigned a doctor.
Under a new scheme, about 1,000 patients will be extended the option of seeing the same doctor every time they visit a polyclinic, without the extra costs.
According to The Straits Times (ST), patients will just be required to pay the standard rates of about $10 each visit.
The change is aimed at making life easier for people with chronic ailments such as diabetes, who need to keep having follow-up appointments.
This is part of a new initiative that ropes in postgraduate students under training to become physicians, and are undergoing attachments at hospitals.
These qualified doctors are stationed at polyclinics once a week on a set day, and spend more time with patients than regular polyclinic doctors.
The programme is being run at four out of the nine National Healthcare Group polyclinics.