MOM outlines changes to improve Primary Care Plans for migrant workers
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will allow some employers of migrant workers to opt out of Primary Care Plans (PCP) as part of changes that it is rolling out starting next year.
PCPs cover most of migrant workers' primary care needs in Singapore for a fixed cost. Employers are required to purchase a PCP as part of work pass requirements for Work Permit and S Pass holders who live in dormitories, or who work in the Construction, Marine, and Process (CMP) sectors.
But MOM announced this week that it will allow employers of S Pass holders in the CMP sectors who are not residing in dormitories to opt them out of the PCP if these workers are covered by corporate healthcare plans with comparable coverage.
"This will take effect from early 2026, ahead of the other changes. MOM will provide more information with employers ahead of implementation," MOM said in a statement.
The ministry also announced that it will develop a PCP Enrolment Portal to simplify the registration process for employers, as well as help them manage their plans.
"This aims to reduce the administrative load for employers and improve overall efficiency," MOM said.
Enhancement to primary healthcare system
The changes are part of the Singapore government's measures to enhance the PC
Among the other changes include the introduction of a four-zone system in the PCP to achieve greater economies of scale, with the number of PCP clinics to be increased in each zone.
P.Co-payment for physical clinics and telemedicine services will also be standardised to S$5 per consultation, considering increased costs of telemedicine delivery, according to the ministry.
"In enhancing the PCP, we have prioritised further improving workers’ accessibility to primary care services and the quality of care, while keeping costs manageable for employers," said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng in a statement.
"The enhancements will also improve the resilience of our healthcare system, reducing the strain on our public healthcare resources and ensure that we are better prepared for future health crises."
The PCP reforms were announced as Singapore marked International Migrants Day with a month-long celebration that saw nearly 100,000 attendees overall in various venues across the country.
