My 99-year-old mother goes to polyclinics regularly to obtain medication and to seek treatment.

On a recent visit to Queenstown Polyclinic, we were informed that with effect from next year, polyclinics will stop issuing express queue numbers for elderly patients.

From next year, elderly patients will, like all other patients, have to make appointments for follow-up visits. Priority treatment will be given to only emergency cases and infants.

I was very disappointed to hear this news. Elderly patients must still receive priority treatment, as they are old, frail and cannot withstand long waiting periods.

I urge the Ministry of Health and polyclinics to continue the express queue system for elderly patients.

Susan Tan Lin Neo (Miss)