Singapore Polyclinics to Train Frontline Staff for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities by 2028
Frontline staff across all Singapore polyclinics will receive training by 2028 to better support patients with autism and intellectual disabilities, under new recommendations released on Oct 4 by a government task force. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will also introduce priority queues at polyclinics to shorten waiting times for patients who have behavioral or anxiety-related needs, aiming to create more accessible and tailored primary healthcare services.
The measures stem from findings by the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities, which was announced in December 2025 by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The inter-agency body is chaired by Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming, alongside Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mahzam, and Senior Parliamentary Secretaries Eric Chua, Shawn Huang, and Syed Harun Alhabsyi.
Enhanced Support and Designated Polyclinics Across Healthcare Clusters
The task force identified a smaller group of patients with intellectual disabilities and autism who require more time and support during consultations because of more complex communication, behavioural or healthcare needs. To address this, MOH will designate at least three polyclinics across Singapore by 2028—with at least one in each public healthcare cluster—to provide enhanced support.
These designated sites will offer pre-visit preparations for patients and caregivers, longer consultation times where needed, closer caregiver engagement, and direct links to relevant disability services. Speaking at a press conference at the Enabling Village, Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam noted that implementing these changes involves complex operational and infrastructural considerations, such as providing proper spaces for people with sensory issues or dealing with patients who may become violent, before making these capabilities available.
Health Communication Passports Rollout Starting in 2027
Beginning in 2027, MOH and SG Enable will introduce a Health Communication Passport for patients with intellectual disabilities and autism at selected polyclinics. The passport documents specific communication preferences—such as the use of visual aids, written text, or verbal interaction—and other practical accommodations required for an individual.
Dr. Bhavani Sriram, clinical lead of the MINDS Developmental Disabilities Medical Clinic, said that the passport serves as a practical tool to reduce patient anxiety, build rapport, and help practitioners make a more accurate diagnosis.
SG Enable Launches Employment Support Office
Alongside healthcare enhancements, SG Enable will launch a new Employment Support Office (ESO) to act as a one-stop touchpoint for all employment-related guidance and support for persons with disabilities. The office will assist employers in defining and redesigning roles and rolling out sector-specific playbooks co-developed with Trade Associations and Chambers.
Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming emphasized that these recommendations will add on to and reinforce the Enabling Master Plan 2030. Mr. Goh also noted that his constituency in Marine Parade is pioneering these upcoming national recommendations through integrated social service hubs designed to build an inclusive community.
Which Agencies Lead New Healthcare Initiatives?
Which government bodies and agencies are leading these new healthcare initiatives?
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is implementing the healthcare measures in collaboration with SG Enable, under the guidance of the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities.
How many polyclinics will receive enhanced support by 2028?
MOH will designate at least three polyclinics across Singapore—ensuring at least one is located within each public healthcare cluster—to provide enhanced support including tailored consultations, pre-visit preparations, and specialized caregiver engagement.
What specific purpose does the Health Communication Passport serve?
The passport captures key details on a patient’s communication preferences and practical accommodation needs, allowing healthcare staff to better understand and support the individual.
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