SINGAPORE – Health Minister Gan Kim Yong today (Feb 25) said the government will ensure that MediShield Life premiums will be affordable for Singaporeans, and lower-income families may receive more help to pay for the premiums.

Mr Gan also said that more support for care in the community, such as step-down care and homecare services, will be announced during the parliamentary debate on his ministry’s budget next month.

He said: “One important aspect MOH is looking at is how to manage healthcare costs, because with more funding, the risk is that it will drive up demand.

“There are a few strategies we will be adopting. One is proper gatekeeping to ensure that access to high-end expensive acute care is on a need basis.

“For example, if you don’t need to be in the acute hospital, then you ought not to be in the hospital; you may be looked after in a community hospital, the nursing homes or even at home.

“We will also be enhancing community support, primary care from our polyclinics through CHAS enhancement and through our community services support, by building more senior care centres, for example.”

Mr Gan was speaking to reporters after the recording of the Budget Forum in Mandarin, organised by MediaCorp.

Joining Mr Gan on the panel were representatives from social services, business associations and grassroots organisations. They were joined by 12 guests from diverse backgrounds, including tertiary students and owners of SMEs.

The Budget Forum in Mandarin will be aired on Channel 8 on Thursday at 10.30pm. CHANNEL NEWSASIA