Cost, access, and data security keep artificial intelligence from becoming essential in GP clinics
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare systems worldwide, but for many independent general practitioners, adoption remains cautious, selective, and largely self-funded.
AI Adoption Still Uneven Across Clinics
Artificial intelligence is gaining traction in Singapore’s healthcare system, yet its adoption among independent general practitioners remains uneven. While the Ministry of Health announced a S$200 million investment in October 2024 to integrate AI across public healthcare institutions over five years, private GPs often have to bear the costs themselves. According to interviews conducted by CNA, only two out of five GPs actively use AI for clinical purposes, with others limiting usage to administrative tasks or avoiding it altogether.
Dr Song Majinyang of MyCare Medical Clinic in Chai Chee uses ChatGPT’s free trial for drafting emails and workflows but does not plan to pay for clinical AI tools. She cited cost, accessibility, and unclear value as major barriers, especially for small clinics with limited resources.
Financial Barriers for Independent Practices
The financial commitment required to adopt AI is a significant concern. Dr Joanne Koay, chief medical officer of Assure Family Clinic in Bukit Merah, said her clinic spends up to S$2,200 annually on a Ministry of Health approved AI platform supporting health screening, genomics-based wellness assessments, and early cancer detection. Meanwhile, Dr Joshua Chua of Cavenagh Medical Clinic subscribes to four AI platforms, costing about S$100 per month combined.
While clinics generally absorb these costs, Dr Koay acknowledged that rising expenses could eventually affect patient fees. For small, standalone clinics, deciding whether AI meaningfully improves patient outcomes remains a difficult calculation.
Cost and Scale Limit Practical Use
Dr Roland Xu of Procare GP Clinic in Ang Mo Kio said transcription tools may help clinics with heavy patient loads, but smaller practices can still manage documentation without AI. He noted that adopting new technology is particularly challenging for clinics that are not part of larger medical chains, where costs are harder to justify and distribute.
Beyond finances, access to advanced clinical AI remains limited. Dr Song pointed out that commercial platforms like ChatGPT provide generic responses, while more sophisticated clinical AI systems are often restricted to pilot programs or are not widely available to independent GPs.
Data Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns
Patient data security is another major obstacle. Dr Song expressed concerns about confidentiality, emphasizing the need for assurances that patient information remains secure and inaccessible to third parties. Dr Chua echoed this caution, stating he never inputs identifiable patient data into AI platforms.
To address these risks, diagnostic imaging provider RadLink Group uses AI for chest X-rays, mammograms, and CT lung scans while keeping all imaging data stored locally. Medical director Dr Eng Chee Way said the data is not uploaded to cloud platforms or shared with AI vendors, reducing exposure to external risks.
Debate Over Clinical Value
Opinions among doctors remain divided on whether AI significantly improves patient care. Dr Xu argued that AI-driven diagnostics are more relevant for hospitals managing complex cases and questioned whether patients even expect their GPs to use AI. From his perspective, AI is not yet a requirement for quality primary care.
Dr Song shared a similar view, noting that many clinics, including those staffed by older doctors, still struggle with basic digital systems. She described AI as a useful add-on rather than a necessity, pointing out that clinics have functioned effectively without it for decades.
AI’s Growing Role in Preventive Care
Others see AI as increasingly valuable, particularly in preventive medicine. Dr Koay highlighted how AI can estimate cancer risk even when scans appear normal, allowing earlier monitoring and intervention. She emphasized that early risk detection is far more effective than waiting for disease symptoms to emerge.
Dr Eng described himself as a strong advocate for AI, arguing that avoiding it may disadvantage patients. While acknowledging risks such as AI hallucinations and data limitations, he stressed that AI’s consistency and lack of fatigue make it a powerful support tool. He believes the optimal model combines human judgment with AI assistance, similar to pilots working alongside automated navigation systems.
AI is steadily advancing within Singapore’s healthcare landscape, but for independent GPs, adoption remains constrained by cost, access, and trust. As technology matures and safeguards improve, AI may gradually shift from a luxury to a practical tool, shaping future standards of care across both Singapore and the broader region.
Sources: The Independent SG (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: AI In Healthcare, Singapore GPs, Clinical Artificial Intelligence, Medical Technology Costs, Patient Data Security
