Singapore Shifts Focus to Healthcare Quality in GP Clinic Tender Awards
Singapore is prioritizing quality of care over rental costs in awarding tenders for general practitioner (GP) clinics, a move signaling a significant shift in the nation’s healthcare strategy. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced Friday, August 1, the first successful bid under a new Price Quality Method (PQM), designed to incentivize better patient outcomes.
New Evaluation Model Prioritizes Patient Care
Under the pilot PQM, a substantial 70% of the tender evaluation is based on the quality of care proposed by bidders, with price accounting for the remaining 30%. This represents a departure from previous models that often saw higher rental bids dominate the selection process. According to a joint press release, the tender was awarded to BridgePoint Health following a competitive process that began on May 8 and concluded on May 29.
The awarded monthly rent for the clinic space at Bartley Beacon, a recently completed Build-To-Order (BTO) project, is S$18,000 (US$13,900). This secures a space approximately 100 sq m in size – double the typical clinic footprint. Eighteen bids were received for the tender.
Addressing Concerns Over Rising Rental Costs
The new approach comes after Health Minister Ong Ye Kung publicly expressed concern over escalating rental bids for clinic spaces. In June, Mr. Ong voiced his dismay regarding a S$52,188 monthly bid for a clinic in Tampines, questioning whether such high costs truly reflected a commitment to quality healthcare.
“Higher rental bids do not necessarily translate to the best healthcare that the community needs,” Mr. Ong stated in a Facebook post. “Through this Price-Quality evaluation Model (PQM), we can shift the competitive focus away from rental rates, to better care models, including preventive care, chronic disease management and mental health.”
Lower Costs Compared to Recent Averages
The rent secured at Bartley Beacon – S$180 per sq m – is notably lower than the average awarded bid of S$382 per sq m for GP clinic tenders in new housing projects between 2022 and 2024. This contrasts sharply with a recent tender in Tampines GreenGem, where the rent reached an unusually high S$1,000 per sq m.
The implementation of the PQM appears to be successfully moderating rental costs while simultaneously encouraging a greater focus on comprehensive healthcare services. This new model promises a more sustainable and patient-centered approach to primary care provision in Singapore.
