Debated in Parliament on 5 Feb 2018.
Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the non-chronic illnesses that outpatients are largely treated for; and (b) what is the average cost of medication for such outpatient treatments over the last two years.
Common outpatient non-chronic illnesses seen at the primary care setting include the common cold, diarrhea, vomiting, sprains and strains.
Between 2015 and 2016, the average total bill size of a non-chronic attendance at polyclinics was about $16 for Singapore Citizens, after Government subsidies. This includes an average cost of medications of $4.
Over the same period, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Pioneer Generation cardholders at general practitioner clinics participating in CHAS paid slightly more than $20 per visit on average for non-chronic attendances, including medications. Before CHAS subsidies were applied, their average bill was $45 per visit, about half of which was medication costs.
At our public healthcare institutions, including polyclinics, patients who have concerns about their medical bills, may apply for financial assistance, such as MediFund.
PAPERCUTS