The common dilemma for Singaporeans. Polyclinic or Private Clinic for baby's vaccination and jaundice follow ups.

In short, is time vs money.

All along we know that the public medical facilities is famous for their waiting time. Because public medical facilities are heavily subsidize mah. 

But for private clinic pediatrician, the waiting time also long. Imagine for jaundice check it is just a 5mins thing, you need to wait so long and pay so much.

Why You Should Go Polyclinic For Newborn Babies

1. Have Priority for baby less than 1 Month Old

Do you know that for newborn babies less than 1 month old. They are considered priority cases.

Priority means the next in line is you already. So this is one of the reason why you should visit the polyclinic for your jaundice follow ups.

But for vaccination, once the baby is more than 1 month old, no more priority already.

But still the waiting time is considered reasonable.

2. Jaundice follow ups have priority

So you sway sway the baby jaundice never come down to less than 100.

You will need to go for a lot follows up. But don't worry. For jaundice follow ups. Also priority.

Go for blood test also priority. See doctor also priority.

The first positive experience you have for your baby.

3. Cheaper

This is one of the main concern also. If go private clinic, 1 time consultation already $80 - $100. Plus some other checks and test. Smelly 1 time go is $100+.

Imagine jaundice check, you need to go a few times. Few hundreds gone liao.

But you go polyclinic cheaper a lot. 1 time only $14. But polyclinic may ask you to come back more frequent. 

We went back like 6-7 times for the jaundice follow up. Shag.

But imagine if go private clinic.

You shag, Pocket more shag.

4. Some vaccinations are free

You may have heard about the 5 in 1, 6 in 1 thing somewhere.

The 5 in 1 vaccine is provided free of charge for Singapore citizens in Government polyclinics.

The 5-in-1 injection combines vaccines against Diphtheria / Pertussis / Tetanus (DPT), Polio and Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) in 1 injection.

The 6th one is Hepatitis B which is also free.

So, got free one - Why you want to pay right?

5. Nearby Polyclinics 

If you are staying near polyclinics this one lagi best. Because distance is short, no need travel so far.

Almost all the towns have polyclinics.

Here is a list of polyclinics in Singapore. So you check which one is the nearest to you.

When you should go to a Pediatrician or A&E instead

1. When Baby is sick

If she is having fever, go to a PD specialist to get it treated.

Polyclinic doctors will just prescribe GP medication. At least you go to a specialist it will be more appropriate. 

2. When you want a thorough assessment.

In polyclinic the doctors or nurses only do simple assessment. Some even as you to do as per the health booklet. But at PD, they will explain in more details instead of telling you - It's normal.

You pay premium, get better service.

3. When it is an emergency

Don't post facebook asking people what should you do.

If you think it is life threatening or emergency, just go to A&E straight.

That being said, remember to cover your little one well with insurance.