Care in the Community

NUHS GPFirst

2025/07/29

Patient consulting a GP under the NUHS GPFirst programme.

What is GPFirst?

In Singapore, your family doctor or General Practitioner (GP) is typically the first medical professional you should visit when you feel unwell. GPs play an important role in Singapore's healthcare system, managing common illnesses and guid advising you on whether further medical attention is necessary.

The NUHS GPFirst programme encourages you to visit a participating GP for mild to moderate symptoms instead of going to the hospital’s Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Care Centre (UCC) for non-life-threatening conditions. 

Our hospitals' A&E department are designed to manage serious medical emergencies in Singapore such as stroke, heart attack or severe injuries. These conditions require immediate treatment to prevent complications or death.

GPs can assess a wide range of mild to moderate symptoms and provide referrals to the A&E/UCC if necessary. When you visit the A&E/UCC with a valid referral via the GPFirst programme, you will receive a $50 subsidy on the prevailing fees at the participating GPFirst institutions (subject to terms and conditions).

When should you see a GP?

Visit your GP for mild-to-moderate symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain or indigestion
  • Cold and flu
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Hives and rashes
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sore eyes
  • Strains and sprains

Your GP can provide timely care and help you avoid long waits at the hospital. If your GP assesses that you require medical attention at the A&E/ UCC, you will be provided with a referral under the GPFirst programme to any of the participating GPFirst institutions.

When should you go straight to the A&E or Urgent Care Centre (UCC)?

For serious or life-threatening conditions, skip the GP and go directly to the A&E or UCC. These include:

  • Severe headache or head injury
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Sudden chest pain (possible heart attack)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Stroke symptoms
  • Major trauma or bleeding

Participating GPFirst Institutions

The list of institutions participating in GPFirst are listed below:

Urgent Care Centre
1.Alexandra Hospital
2.UCC @ Admiralty
Emergency Department
1.Changi General Hospital
2.Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
3.National University Hospital (excluding Children's Emergency)
4.Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
5.Sengkang General Hospital
6.Singapore General Hospital
7.Tan Tock Seng Hospital
8.Woodlands Health

Terms & Conditions
  1. The GPFirst Programme is open to all residents living in Singapore, including PRs and foreigners.
  2. This GPFirst Referral Form is applicable only at the Emergency Department (ED) of Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital (Adult ED ONLY), Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Woodlands Health or Alexandra Hospital Urgent Care Centre (UCC) and Urgent Care Centre @ Admiralty.
  3. For a GPFirst referral to be valid, the original GPFirst Referral Form (i.e. the serialised form provided by participating hospitals or the printout generated through the HSG-compatible CMS / Primary Care Digital Services) must be fully completed and produced together with the NRIC/Passport/Work Permit/Foreigner Pass, at the point of registration at the respective hospital’s ED or UCC.
  4. The original GPFirst Referral Form is only valid on the day of issue, and up to 0200hrs of the following day if the referral form is issued close to midnight (between 10pm and 12am). Patients are advised to attend the referred ED or UCC without delay.
  5. Patient will receive $50 subsidy on the attendance fee at the respective ED or UCC if referred through GPFirst Programme.
  6. Specialised investigations required and/or non-standard medication prescribed at the respective ED or UCC will be separately charged.
  7. MOH reserves the right to change the Terms & Conditions of this programme.
  8. By participating in GPFirst Programme, the doctor and/or patient may be contacted by the hospital patient is referred to, for programme evaluation purposes.

List of Participating GP Clinics

You can download the full list of GP clinics participating in the NUHS GPFirst programme here:View List of GPFirst Clinics (PDF, 635KB) (PDF, 635 KB).

For GPs Who Wish to Join NUHS GPFirst Programme

General Practitioners interested in participating in the NUHS GPFirst programme can download and complete the clinic sign-up form:  Clinic Sign-Up Form (PDF, 643 KB)

Please email the completed form to [email protected].

For more information on the GPFirst Programme, visit the Ministry of Health website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/seeking-healthcare/getting-medical-help/seeking-a-doctor

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