1777 non-emergency ambulance hotline to cease from 1 January 2027

1. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will cease the 1777 non-emergency ambulance hotline from 1 January 2027.

Background

2. SCDF introduced the 1777 hotline in 1998 as a centralised number for the public to arrange non-emergency ambulance transport. This helped preserve 995 emergency ambulance resources for life-threatening emergencies. The hotline connects callers to participating Private Ambulance Operators (PAOs) for medical transport services and other non-emergency conveyance needs.

3. Today, members of the public have more options for non-emergency medical conditions, including nearby general practitioner clinics and teleconsultation services. For non-emergency trips to the hospital, taxis and ride-hailing services are also readily available and commonly used.

4. Based on data from 24 PAOs onboarded to the hotline, only about 6% of PAO bookings today are made through 1777.

Alternative Pathways for Non-Emergency Medical Advice and Transport

5. In view of these developments, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and SCDF have assessed that the 1777 centralised referral platform for non-emergency medical transport services can be phased out.

6. Members of the public who require non-emergency ambulance conveyance can refer to go.gov.sg/pao for PAO contact information and fees. Those who need medical advice for non-emergency conditions may contact the NurseFirst helpline at 6262 6262, where trained nurses will advise callers on appropriate care options.

7. SCDF’s 995 emergency services will not be affected by the cessation of the 1777 hotline. Members of the public should continue to call 995 only for life-threatening emergencies. Calls to 995 assessed to be non-emergencies will be referred to NurseFirst for medical advice.

Annex

1. List of Non-Life-Threatening Conditions [PDF, 117.33 KB] (PDF, 117 KB)