In an announcement that brings relief to residents, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that nearly 1,000 general practitioner (GP) clinics across Singapore will stay open during the Chinese New Year holidays, ensuring continuous healthcare access from Feb 9 to Feb 12. Among these, 17 clinics will provide 24-hour services throughout the festive period, catering to medical needs at any hour.
Accessible Healthcare During Festivities
The decision to keep 993 GP clinics operational during this time is a significant move by MOH to ensure that Singaporeans and residents have access to necessary medical care without the need to visit hospital emergency departments for non-critical issues. This initiative is especially pertinent during the festive season when most establishments are closed, and immediate healthcare might be harder to access.
Pre-Visit Recommendations
MOH encourages those feeling under the weather during the Chinese New Year celebrations, including parents with unwell children, to first consider visiting a GP clinic for minor medical conditions. To facilitate a smooth and efficient visit, it is advised that individuals make appointments or call ahead before visiting the clinics. This proactive approach aims to minimize waiting times and ensure that patients receive timely medical attention.
Emergency Department Advisory
With the availability of GP clinics during the holidays, MOH urges the public to reserve hospital accident and emergency departments for serious or life-threatening conditions only, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or uncontrollable bleeding. This measure is intended to keep emergency services available for those in critical need and to prevent the overburdening of hospital resources.
Utilizing the 995 Emergency Medical Services
In light of the festive period, MOH also advises against the unnecessary use of the 995 Emergency Medical Services for non-emergency situations. This is to ensure that emergency medical assistance remains readily available for those facing life-threatening emergencies, thereby optimizing the response efficiency of these critical services.
The initiative by MOH to keep a substantial number of GP clinics open during the Chinese New Year holidays reflects the commitment to maintaining uninterrupted healthcare services, even during public celebrations. Residents are encouraged to leverage these available resources for their healthcare needs, reserving emergency services for truly urgent cases.
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