Govt starts special medical scheme as haze worsens

SINGAPORE — The Government will be making available a special scheme to alleviate medical bills for those most vulnerable, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced today (June 20) at a press conference to address the ongoing haze problem. Mr Lee said that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will co-pay for the bills of the vulnerable — which he defined as youth under 18, the elderly above 65, Community Health Assist Scheme card holders, and Public Assistance and Medical Fee Exemption Card holders. Those who fall within the groups need pay only S$10 at the doctor if they suffer from respiratory problems or conjunctivitis because of the haze. The rest of the bill will be paid by the MOH. Mr Lee said the Government’s priority is to “protect the health and safety of Singaporeans, especially vulnerable groups such as the young and elderly, and those with heart or lung diseases”. He added that MOH doctors, polyclinics and hospitals are “on alert and ready to treat patients” and urged Singaporeans to visit the doctor “promptly” if they fall ill.