We thank Mr Dun Fashe (Make all private clinics accept PG and Chas cards; March 4) and Dr Yik Keng Yeong (Chas, PG schemes must remain voluntary for GPs; March 8) for their letters.

The Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) was introduced in 2012. While participation is voluntary, we have seen a significant increase in the number of participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics.

Today, there are 1,650 Chas clinics and a good geographical spread among them.

More than 97per cent of Chas or Pioneer Generation card holders have more than one Chas clinic within 1km of their homes, or about 15 minutes by public transport.

Some patients, especially seniors, might still face difficulty in making their way to a Chas clinic nearest to their home.

The Agency for Integrated Care will continue to engage more clinics to join Chas.

Clinics that come on board voluntarily are more likely to provide better service as willing partners of Chas.

The public can search for nearby Chas clinics on www.chas.sg or call the Chas hotline at 1800-ASK-CHAS (1800-275-2427).

Lim Bee Khim

Director

Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health