I am requesting that the Ministry of Health consider extending polyclinic hours to 10pm on weekdays and to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

As polyclinics are located in HDB estates, they serve many residents who need affordable medical care after office hours and on weekends.

It is expensive to seek treatment at private 24-hour clinics located in HDB estates after midnight and on Sundays and public holidays.

Extending polyclinic operating hours would certainly help ease the workload at the accident and emergency departments at hospitals, and reduce waiting times at polyclinics. It would also benefit working residents, who would be able to seek affordable treatment after work.

If the proposal is successful, perhaps the Health Ministry could consider operating regional 24-hour polyclinics, one in each of the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of Singapore.

K. Ravintharan