SINGAPORE — Singapore’s ambitious drive to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has generated excitement among policymakers and industry stakeholders, but some local general practitioners (GPs) say practical barriers — including cost and limited access — are slowing adoption in smaller clinics. 

The Ministry of Health announced in October 2024 a S$200 million investment to expand AI use across public healthcare over a five-year period, positioning Singapore at the forefront of technology-enabled care.  However, independent doctors interviewed by Channel NewsAsia say they often bear the expense themselves or lack access to clinically relevant AI tools that could benefit patient care. 

At MyCare Medical Clinic in Chai Chee, Dr Song Majinyang uses AI’s free-trial offerings — such as conversational tools — primarily for administrative tasks, but has paused investment in clinical AI systems due to cost concerns and uncertainty over their value to everyday patient consultations. 

Meanwhile, at Assure Family Clinic in Bukit Merah, Chief Medical Officer Dr Joanne Koay says her practice spends up to S$2,200 annually on a Ministry-approved AI platform that supports screening, genomics-based wellness plans and early cancer detection — a commitment that may be difficult for many smaller practices to sustain. 

Some GPs argue that without broader access and subsidised options, the promise of AI in primary care will remain theoretical rather than practical, particularly for clinics without large patient volumes or established IT infrastructure.  Observers note that while Singapore’s national AI strategy aims to cultivate a digitally-enabled workforce across sectors including healthcare, translating high-level policy into frontline clinical tools presents tangible challenges for smaller providers. 

As Singapore continues to develop its AI ecosystem, balancing innovation with equitable access — particularly for independent healthcare providers — will be key to ensuring that the benefits of AI reach patients across the healthcare spectrum.