Ministry of Health Difference of 34% in drug prices at public hospitals
The ministry of health has given this explanation

We thank Ms Liu I-Chun for her letter, “Why is there a 34% difference in prices of eye medication at two public hospitals?” (Jan 15).

Our public healthcare institutions operate on a non-profit basis, and the Ministry of Health (MOH) monitors the overall bill sizes at public healthcare institutions to ensure that healthcare remains affordable for Singaporeans.

The prices of medication at public healthcare institutions can vary, as they take into account the institutions’ respective cost structures and clinical set-ups, which can vary from institution to institution.

Price differences across public healthcare institutions can also occur when medicines are supplied under different tender contracts, as different tenders carry varying procurement costs.

The price of medication also includes a component to cover the manpower, operational, maintenance and overhead costs associated with providing the drugs. These are expected to remain within reasonable ranges.

We agree that there should not be unwarranted variation in charges. MOH will work with public healthcare institutions to review their pricing for medication.

Frankly, I find the explanation from the ministry of health to be unacceptable. It is a load of rubbish.

The ministry is not carrying out its duty to ensure that the public health institutions levy reasonable charges. It let matters get out of control. 

The solution is for the ministry to control the prices of drugs. The prices can be based on cost plus a margin to cover operating expenses. 

Drug prices should not be set by the institutions who has the goal to generate profit. The explanation that these are "non-profit institutions" is  nonsense. They make tons of profit and allows their doctors to have high incomes.

The minister for health should step down and pass his job to a more competent person.

Tan Kin Lian

 

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