SINGAPORE: There has been a steady increase in migrant workers using telemedicine services in the past two years, according to medical service providers.

Fullerton Health, for instance, is currently seeing about 3,000 such patients digitally each month.

Since 2022, the healthcare group has provided over 60,000 online consultations using their telemedicine app.

Doctors said telehealth services increase convenience and accessibility, and ensure migrant workers can seek timely medical attention.

This is because consultations can be done outside regular working hours, which are crucial for workers on shift work schedules.

Telemedicine also allows workers, some of whom reside far away from healthcare facilities, to consult doctors from their dormitories.

“This saves on time and costs associated with travelling to a clinic,” said Dr Lee Ming Yong, Fullerton Health’s medical director of clinical services.

“It also improves productivity, as workers do not need to take time off work to consult a doctor in-person for non-urgent medical issues.

TELEHEALTH FOR MIGRANT WORKERS

Telemedicine service is provided for under a basic care plan for migrant workers introduced in 2021. A year later, it became mandatory for employers to buy the plan for their workers. 

Under the programme, four healthcare providers were identified as anchor operators, covering six sectors in Singapore. They are: Fullerton Healthcarefc188, SATA CommHealth, StarMed Specialist Centre and St Andrew's Mission Hospital.

(Image: Ministry of Manpower)

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