Ministry of Health
Have medical test centers in the neighborhood
I wish to share my experience in visiting the Singapore National Eye Center (SNEC) for treatment as a public patient and give some suggestions on how the process could be improved.
I spent 4 hours at the SNEC clinic to take 2 tests and be seen twice by the specialist(i.e. eye doctor). The technicians performing the two tests took about 20 minutes and by the specialist saw me for 15 minutes. The remainder of the time was sent waiting.
I will break down the process as follows:
a) Carry out tests
b) Review by the specialist
With modern technology, it should be possible for the tests to be taken at a test center in the neighborhood. The images could be seen by the specialist remotely.
If there is a need for the specialist to talk to the patient, it can also be done through teleconferencing. If a live interview is needed, it can be arranged at the test center or a visit to the medical center.
My suggestion is to have a network of test centers in the neighborhood, that are connected to the medical center.
It is better to have adequate testing equipment, manned by medical technicians at test centers. This will reduce the travel and waiting time for the patients and still produce a satisfactory review by the specialist.
We can use modern technology in an efficient manner. It applies to the test centers, to the database system to keep the relevant patient records and to an efficient appointment system.
The use of the test centers in the neighborhood is especially useful to handle the elderly patients who may find it difficult to visit the medical center.
My suggestion can probably be applied to other treatments, i.e. other than eye treatment. However, I am not familiar with these processes, so I will leave this matter for others to comment.
If surgery or treatment are required, the patient will have to visit the medical center to be seen by the specialist. Still, it is useful for the tests to be carried out earlier, using the neighborhood testing centers.
Tan Kin Lian
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even traveling to a polyclinic to take any medical test is a hassle unless you are staying next to it.
farni 20 Jun 2023