Ministry of Health Cost of treating victims of Wuhan virus
Should the state bear the full cost of treating patients during an epidemic, such as the Wuhan virus?

While the minister for health is still undecided, let me share my views.

We cannot expect citizens to be prepared for this kind of unexpected expenses. They also worry about the potential cost of treatment. Will it run into tens of thousand dollars or more?

We cannot expect the Medishield and Medisave accounts to take the hit. They are intended for predictable medical expenses. We can expect the insurers to be quite difficult in approving the claims for these expenses.

There is also the question about the liability of the govt in allowing foreigners to bring the virus into Singapore. 

It is best that the cost of treatment be handled by the state. If a patient is declared to be infected with this virus, the patient should be relieved from all medical bills. 

The treatment can be carried out at our public hospitals, or contracted to private hospitals at negotiated rates. 

The cost of treating the citizens for this epidemic can be high. But it can be borne by the state. Ultimately, the state is the best insurer to spread the cost. They can dip into the reserves, or reduce their budget surplus for the year. 

Minister Gan - I hope you are listening.

Tan Kin Lian

Vote - do you agree that the cost of treating patients for the Wuhan virus be borne by the state?


 

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