Stretching Medisave money for Singaporeans

22 Feb 2010, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Dr Huang Shoou Chyuan

Medisave use for overseas medical treatment

Will it come back to haunt us later? 

I REFER to last Thursday's report, 'Medisave can be used in 12 Malaysian hospitals'. The move by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to allow Medisave deduction for hospitalisation in Malaysian hospitals is, in my view, like scoring an own goal in a soccer match.

To say the least, it sends a confusing signal. It is as though MOH is admitting that it has failed in its mission to cater to all Singaporeans in our own often-lauded health-care system.

Is the claim that even the poorest Singaporean will be looked after in our health-care facilities - with its subsidies and special funding such as Medifund - just an empty boast now?

MOH is in fact using national resources - Medisave infrastructure - to build up a competitor's capabilities. Is MOH still serious about helping Singapore become a medical tourism centre of excellence?

This populist measure may seem to placate short-term demands - only to come back to haunt us later when our own health-care and tourism industries are hollowed out in the medium to long term.

By then, any new measure will be futile and like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Right move

'I am delighted at the bold step by MOH to help control health-care costs.'

DR GARY ANG YEE: 'I refer to last Thursday's report, 'Medisave can be used in 12 Malaysian hospitals'. I am delighted at the bold step by MOH to help control health-care costs in Singapore. Extending Medisave overseas will encourage health-care professionals here to remain competitive too. I look forward to the implementation of the Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Medical Practitioners, when doctors from Singapore will be allowed to work in Asean countries enjoying lower labour and rental costs so that quality health care can be enjoyed at a lower rate.'

Reply

Name of the Person: Karen Tan (Ms)

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health 

In his letter “Will it come back to haunt us later?”, Dr Huang was concerned that the recent liberalisation of Medisave for overseas use may run counter to our efforts to promote Singapore as a medical hub.

As Dr Gary Ang Yee noted in his letter “Right Move”, the extension of Medisave can benefit the healthcare industry, as it will encourage healthcare professionals here to remain competitive, and provide better value for our patients. But the key outcome is that Singaporeans will benefit from more choices and be able to stretch their medical dollar.