Registration using the automated registration machine is fast and convenient. You can scan your IC/ID card and it will generated the slip if you have a schedule appointment. The slip will show you the clinic and room to proceed for your consultant review.

Of course, seeing the consultant still take some ample waiting time. I see this is a major improvement as you can skip the registration counter.

But now the lag is at the payment and appointment counter. Just imagine, there are at least 20 consultant rooms but only 2 staffs to serve your payment and appointment needs. You need to wait at least 30 minutes on a normal day for them to serve you. It can be quite frustrating as they use a very manual method and that is by calling name instead of utilizing the queue number.

It is time SGH looks at how NHG Polyclinic is resolving this issue. At the poly clinic, you can proceed to made payment using the automated counter or back at home using AXS or internet banking. You can then queue at the appointment counter to book your appointment.

We should learn and adopt best practices in the healthcare sector for the benefits of the patients. There is no need to re-invent the wheel but sharing among each other to improve the services together.

I will email SGH and let’s see what is their comment on the payment and appointment counter issue.