Migrant workers to get better clinic access in boost to care plan

MOM will also develop portal to help employers enrol workers in healthcare scheme

- Ng Wei Kai Correspondent

Most migrant workers will have a clinic within 2km of their residence, as part of plans being rolled out over the next few years to bolster their health and well-being.

Announcing changes to the healthcare scheme that covers many such workers - the Primary Care Plan (PCP) - Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said there will be more clinics under the scheme, which means shorter travel times, quicker access to help when they are unwell, and less disruption to their work and rest routines.

Currently, the majority of migrant workers live within 3km of a PCP clinic, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said in response to queries.

Speaking at an event marking International Migrants Day at D'Marquee in Downtown East on Dec 14, Dr Tan said MOM will also develop a centralised online portal to help employers enrol their workers on the PCP.

The scheme is mandatory for migrant workers in the construction, marine shipyard or process sector, and those who live in dormitories that accommodate seven or more workers.

Today, PCP clinics are spread out over six geographic zones, Dr Tan noted.

By 2027, these will be consolidated into four larger zones, he said.

With fewer but larger zones, anchor operators of these clinics can serve a bigger pool of workers, achieve better economies of scale and, in turn, keep annual rates reasonable for employers, he said.

"This reduction in zones will not compromise our workers' accessibility to care. In fact, it will be a win-win for our workers, employers and anchor operators.

"Why? Because we are increasing the supply of clinics closer to where our workers live, so at the same time providing better access while keeping costs affordable and manageable for employers."

Pricing for physical and telemedicine consultations under the scheme will be standardised at $5, MOM said in a separate release on Dec 14.