Extending PCPS To Chronic Diseases

09 May 2008

MOH has decided to extend the Primary Care Partnership Scheme (PCPS) to three major chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Under the scheme, needy Singaporean citizens aged 65 and above will be able to get subsidized treatment for these chronic diseases from GPs contracted by MOH. This will take effect from Jan 1, 2009.

PCPS was introduced in 2000 to allow means-tested elderly Singaporeans to receive acute care treatment (e.g. coughs and colds) from participating private General Practitioners (GPs) at subsidized rates. PCPS makes it convenient for the needy elderly to receive subsidised care near to their home, instead of having to travel to a polyclinic. Over the years, PCPS has been progressively extended to bring new benefits to the needy patients. In 2002, PCPS was extended to include private dental clinics. Last year, PCPS was extended to include the needy disabled. There are 450 GP clinics and 190 dental clinics participating under PCPS, serving 19,000 PCPS card holders. 

Chronic diseases are a major source of morbidity and death. If not properly managed, chronic diseases can result in serious complications and expensive hospitalization bills over the long term. However, chronic conditions can be successfully managed through early detection and good, sustained care management programmes.

To strengthen chronic disease management at the primary care setting, the Medisave for CDMP (Chronic Disease Management Programme) was introduced in 2006 for diabetes and subsequently expanded to cover hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke, asthma, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Through the use of internationally established evidence-based disease management programme, the CDMP improves care for patients with chronic diseases. By allowing the use of Medisave, it also reduces the out-of-pocket expenses of chronic disease patients. With good management of chronic diseases, patients will be able to avoid future exacerbations and costly hospitalizations due to complications.

The expansion of PCPS to cover chronic diseases will allow needy Singaporeans with chronic diseases to obtain subsidised care from their GPs. Participating GPs will provide care in accordance to the established disease management protocols in use under CDMP and are required to submit clinical outcome datasets to MOH regularly.

Through this scheme, the Ministry also aims to promote continuity of care and promote “One Family Physician for Every Singaporean”. Good chronic care requires continuity of treatment over a long period of time and a strong patient-physician relationship. Patients should develop a sustained relationship with a family physician, and partner him/her to actively manage their chronic diseases. 

To qualify for PCPS, patients need to have per capita household income of $700 and below and be aged 65 and above or disabled. Patients are means-tested by Community Development Councils. Public Assistance Scheme recipients, regardless of age, are automatically eligible for PCPS

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

7 MAY 2008