Singapore to train polyclinic staff and add priority queues for patients with intellectual disabilities by 2028

Singapore's Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities has put forward a suite of measures aimed at improving access to primary care for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. By 2028, all polyclinics must train frontline staff and set up priority queues to reduce waiting times for those with complex communication or behavioural needs. Three designated polyclinics will provide longer appointments, pre-visit preparation and stronger caregiver engagement, while a health communication passport, launching in 2027, will record each patient’s preferred communication methods.

The Ministry of Health will work with SG Enable to roll out the passport across more sites over time. Beyond healthcare, the task force calls for more community support hubs, caregiver support touchpoints and an additional 1,300 day-activity and sheltered-work spaces by 2030, as well as future care-planning services beginning in 2027. These initiatives are intended to foster greater independence and a sense of belonging for people with disabilities.