Budget 2013: More hospitals and polyclinics by 2030

Singapore will build more healthcare institutions by 2030 including four more public hospitals and up to 12 polyclinics. Tweaks will also be made to the existing financing method, so that people can continue to afford and get the medical care they need.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong made these announcements in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon adding that the Government will also increase its share of healthcare costs from the current 30 per cent to 40 per cent or more.

The use of Medifund, the health safety net for the poor, will also be expanded for outpatient use in polyclinics and at the National Dental Centre.

While announcing these changes, Mr Gan cautioned: "Even as we seek to give Singaporeans greater assurance today, we must not inadvertently create a problem for future generations."

"If we get it wrong, we leave a heavy burden of debt for our children and grandchildren," he said.