(1) Introduction

There are currently 17 polyclinics in Singapore. They provide affordable healthcare to Singaporeans, especially the needy elderly.

However, there are needy elderly who do not live near these polyclinics. Getting to the polyclinics can be inconvenient for them. For these residents, the Ministry of Health hopes to bring affordable healthcare closer to them through the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS).

In October 2000, the Ministry of Health launched the PCPS. PCPS has since been implemented at 9 pilot sites - Jalan Besar, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Panjang, Simei, Kampong Glam, Serangoon, Ayer Rajah, Pasir Ris and Sengkang.

The Ministry has decided to broaden the scheme to include dental services and to extend the scheme to the whole of Singapore on 1 March 2002.

(2) Contracted Medical and Dental Services

The Scheme is applicable to all private general practitioners (GPs) and dentists practising in Singapore. Participating GP and dental clinics will have a sticker reflecting 'Primary Care Partnership Scheme' displayed on the doors of their clinics.

Under the Scheme, GPs will provide common outpatient medical services for simple acute medical conditions. (see Table 1) .

Similarly, private dentists will provide basic dental services (see Table 2).

1. This list is meant to serve as a guide only and is not exhaustive. Patients who require more complex treatment and management of chronic illnesses would be referred to the polyclinics, specialist outpatient clinics or hospitals.
   
   
2. Patients who require other treatment could be referred to the polyclinics or the National Dental Centre.
   

(3) Eligible residents

To qualify for PCPS, the resident MUST BE EITHER

• a Singapore Citizen who is 65 years old and above with per capita income of $700 and below and holds a 'Community Medical Benefits Card' issued by a Community Development Council (CDC); or
  
  
• persons who are currently under the Public Assistance (PA) Scheme, regardless of age.

(4) Application For The Community Medical Benefits Card

Interested applicants can apply for the Cards with effect from 1 March 2002 and start to use the Card immediately upon issuance by the CDCs.

• PA Cardholders
  Persons who hold the PA Card under the Personal Assistance (PA) scheme NEED NOT apply for the card. The PA Card will be recognised at the participating GP and dental clinics.
  
  
• Application Form Pick-Up & Submission Points - Any CDC/CC
  Interested applicants can collect and submit the application form at the nearest Community Centre/Club (CC) or Community Development Council (CDC). The applicant or his family member can also request any CDC/CC to mail to him the application form.
  
  For submission of application forms, the applicant and his family members need to submit only one set of application form. If the applicant meets the criteria for the Scheme, the CDCs would issue a Card to the applicant and also a Card to any family members who qualifies.
  

• Documents Required For Application Forms

  The following supporting documents must be submitted with the application form to the CC/CDC.
  
  The supporting documents are:

  • Applicant's NRIC and copies of the family members' NRIC.
    
  • Proof of applicant's and family members' income, such as latest pay-slip, or IRAS or CPF statements, or Letters from employers, if any.
    
  • Documents on any other source of income, e.g., rental payment from tenants, if any

  
  Please note that all applications forms and documents submitted must be kept at either the CC or CDC for three years for audit purposes.

(5) Collection of the Community Medical Benefits Card

Applicants can expect to receive their Cards in around 2 weeks, provided the application form is complete. Successful residents could receive their Cards either by post or personally collect them at the nearest CDC. The resident need not pay for the issuance of the Card.

Please click to find out more about these participating clinics and dentists.