SCDF to cease non-emergency 1777 hotline from Jan. 1, 2027

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will cease the 1777 non-emergency ambulance hotline from Jan. 1, 2027, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Jul 1.

First introduced in 1998, the 1777 hotline was a centralised number for the public to arrange non-emergency ambulance transport.

The hotline connects callers to participating Private Ambulance Operators (PAOs) for medical transport services and other non-emergency conveyance needs.

However, the release noted that members of the public now 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.

According to data from 24 PAOs onboarded to the hotline, only about six per cent of PAO bookings are made through 1777.

As such, 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.

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 require medical advice for non-emergency conditions may contact the NurseFirst helpline at 6262 6262, where trained nurses will advise callers on appropriate care options.

SCDF’s 995 emergency services will not be affected by the cessation of the 1777 hotline.

Members of the public are advised to continue to call 995 only for life-threatening emergencies.

Non-emergency 995 calls will be referred to NurseFirst for medical advice.