Written answer by Ministry of National Development on assessment criterion for GP clinic tenders at Woodlands North Plaza

Jul 2, 2024

Question No: 6171

Question by: Ms Mariam Jaafar

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB can make opening hours a qualifying or assessment criterion for new tenders or tenancy renewals for the three general practitioner clinics at Woodlands North Plaza to ensure access to medical services during lunch time or after-office hours on weekdays, or on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays; and (b) before the end of their current tenancies, whether HDB will consider taking interim measures to address the lack of access to medical services within such hours.

Answer:

Clinic operating hours are business decisions made by private operators and are not part of the assessment criteria for new tenders or tenancy renewals.

Where there are site-specific requirements, HDB would generally work with operators to understand any operational or business constraints they may face and explore solutions that can meet the local needs. This allows HDB to better assess whether it is necessary or feasible to impose additional requirements as part of tenancy renewals or new tenders. HDB understands from the operators of these three clinics at Woodlands North Plaza that they wish to continue serving the local residents as they have for many years, but face difficulties in extending their operating hours beyond office hours due to manpower challenges at this time.

Residents living around Woodlands North Plaza could visit the 24-hour clinic at Block 768 Woodlands Avenue 6 (Woodlands Mart) should they need urgent medical attention after operating hours. They may also search online for other clinics near them and their opening hours, via CHAS clinic locator or HealthHub.