Medisave, subsidies available for recommended health screenings

We refer to Mr James Chi’s letter (“Allow Medisave use for yearly blood tests, too”, TODAY, 14 Mar 2014), proposing the use of Medisave to pay for blood tests. We agree with Mr Chi that appropriate screening tests are key to early disease detection and prevention, hence we strongly encourage Singaporeans to opt for those that are necessary and effective.

Mr Chi suggested yearly comprehensive blood tests covering kidney function, lipid profile, cancer markers and a range of other indicators. Except for screening test for high blood cholesterol, such tests are not recommended for everyone, as there is no evidence for their effectiveness in the screening for chronic diseases.

However, there are tests that everyone in the appropriate age-group is recommended to go for yearly or regularly. These are for common chronic conditions and some cancers for which screening has been shown to be effective. The tests are subsidised via the Health Promotion Board’s (HPB) Integrated Screening Programme. For example, free-of-charge blood tests to screen for diabetes and high cholesterol, and Faecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) to screen for colorectal cancer are available to lower- and middle-income Singaporeans who are on the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). The consultations are subsidised at $18.50 per visit at CHAS clinics, up to two times a year. Medisave can be used for the screening tests that are more costly, such as colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening and mammograms for breast cancer screening. The subsidies and Medisave help to reduce out-of-pocket payments. We hope more Singaporeans would come forward and utilise these schemes for better detection and prevention.

Bey Mui Leng (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications 
Ministry of Health

Allow Medisave use for yearly blood tests, too

TODAY, March 14, 2014

Although the move to extend the use of Medisave is a welcome one, I believe that it should also include at least one comprehensive blood test a year ("Medisave use, drug subsidies to be enhanced"; March 13).

Such blood tests usually cost between S$180 and S$300, and it would be apt to allow the use of Medisave for them. Done annually, it would be an important preventive measure every person should take, regardless of age.

With each blood test covering kidney function, lipid profile, cancer markers and a range of other indicators, this would allow people to detect anomalies at an early stage and take early action. Prevention is better than cure.

James Chi