Regular reviews to ensure healthcare affordability

Lianhe Zaobao (20 Jan)

Blood test fees for PG doubles

Zhao Zhong Shun recounted his experience of taking a blood test for the EVB virus at KTPH on 3 Jan. He said that he did not expect an increase in the blood test fee – which had doubled as compared to the previous one he took – as he thought that the government is offering PG patients special privileges. Given that the government had published advertisements regarding the special medical discounts that the PG is entitled to, Zhao questioned the doubling of charges for his blood test.

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MOH's Reply

Lianhe Zaobao (24 Jan)

Regular reviews to ensure healthcare affordability

刘亚月asked why the government could not give equal drug subsidies to patients with different illnesses. (“建国一代医药津贴应一视同仁”; 20 Jan 2015).

The Government subsidises drugs on the Standard Drug List (SDL) and the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF), for subsidised patients at public healthcare institutions. Since 1 Jan, additional subsidies for lower- to middle-income Singaporeans and the Pioneer Generation (PG) kicked in. The list of subsidised drugs can be found on the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/costs_and_financing/schemes_subsidies/drug_subsidies.html

The list of subsidised drugs on the SDL was modelled after the World Health Organisation’s Essential Drug List, with modifications to suit local disease profiles and practice. MOH review this list regularly to take into account changes in clinical practice, advances in medical science, and evolving needs of patients. The review is done objectively and professionally by the Drug Advisory Committee (DAC) which comprises senior clinicians, and chaired by the Director of Medical Services.
The DAC, with inputs from other clinicians, considers three main factors when determining whether a drug can be subsidised. First, whether the drug is essential for the treatment of medical conditions that are important causes of morbidity and mortality in Singapore. Second, whether the drug offers a major improvement in terms of efficacy and effectiveness, as compared to existing subsidised drugs. And lastly, whether there is sufficient evidence of long term safety and cost-benefits of the drug.

The drug and treatment prescribed to a patient would be what the doctor and the healthcare team deem as clinically appropriate based on the patient’s condition, and the bill should clearly indicate any subsidy given, including Pioneer Generation subsidies. The cost of essential drugs are subsidised for patients to improve affordability. About 90% of the drugs that are prescribed at public healthcare institutions are standard drugs. However, eligible patients who require non-standard drugs that are assessed to be clinically necessary and appropriate for their treatment also receive subsidies when the MAF was enhanced in 2011. Patients can approach the public healthcare institutions to inquire about subsidies under the MAF, or ask their doctors for subsidised drug alternatives for their condition.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms) 
Director, Corporate Communications 
Ministry of Health