Those with high chronic medication needs and bills who enrol with a GP clinic can opt for a new Healthier SG chronic tier.SINGAPORE — With hospitals and clinics well-placed to treat those who are very sick, the nation's healthcare priorities now include helping people stay healthy, and keeping seniors out of hospitals and nursing homes.
This is an enhanced subsidy for chronic drugs at GP clinics for Healthier SG enrollees who are Community Health Assist Scheme cardholders, he said. Then there is the population health system, which stresses good health and preventive care, through Healthier SG. Enrolment will start with those aged 60 and above from July, but younger residents with chronic illness who are aged 40 and above can pre-enrol from May with their GP, if their doctors have signed up for Healthier SG.The idea is to get residents to build a long-term relationship with one family doctor, who will help them take charge of their health.
MPs such as Dr Tan Wu Meng , Dr Lim Wee Kiak , Ang Wei Neng and Ng Ling Ling had asked for updates on Healthier SG.Ong said that today, CHAS already provides significant subsidies for patients who have lower chronic medication needs. They pay $0 or very little for their chronic visits and medications.Under this new tier, there is no dollar cap attached to the 50 per cent to 87.
"If a clinic is too busy and consultation times are too short, it becomes harder to promote health," he said. "Six sessions of five minutes each, are not the same as a half-hour conversation."