Bigger health role for private sector

The Government is considering contracting private doctors and clinics to conduct outpatient and precautionary medical services. Secretary for Health and Welfare Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong said yesterday in a radio interview that the Government hoped to work with the private sector in these two areas on contract terms. He said a working group had been set up to decide how to increase the participation of the private sector in the provision of medical services dominated by the public sector. The working group will make recommendations in about six months.