Debated in Parliament on 4 Apr 2016.
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider providing higher subsidies for detection tests conducted at polyclinics and GP clinics for diabetes and cervical cancer so as to increase early detection for these diseases.
Health screening plays an important role in helping individuals detect diseases early and seek treatment to manage these diseases promptly. Screening tests for diabetes and cervical cancer are available at affordable rates through the Health Promotion Board's Screen for Life programme. Singaporeans can visit general practitioner (GP) clinics participating in Screen for Life to enjoy a package rate of $10 for chronic disease screening which includes diabetes screening, and $10.25 for cervical cancer screening. Since 2014, individuals who hold the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) or Pioneer Generation (PG) card can receive these tests for free at Screen for Life GPs, and receive subsidies for their doctor’s consultation fee, if they are due for screening. With these subsidies, CHAS and PG patients paid an average of only $2 per visit last year. In addition, eligible Singaporeans can receive subsidised cervical cancer and chronic disease screening at the polyclinics.
The Ministry will continue to review these subsidies from time to time to ensure that screenings and follow-up consultations remain affordable for Singaporeans.
PAPERCUTS