MOH suspends 10 clinics from Chas for severe non-compliance, case referred to police

SINGAPORE — The authorities have suspended 10 clinics from the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) for "severe non-compliance" and the case is being referred to the police, the Health Ministry (MOH) announced on Monday (Oct 8).

Effective from Oct 23, patients at the 10 suspended clinics under the Access Medical group will not be able to claim Chas subsidies for their visits.

The 10 Access Medical outlets are in Bedok South, Circuit Road, East Coast, Kim Keat, Marine Terrace, Toa Payoh, Whampoa, Jurong West, Redhill Close, and Bukit Batok.

MOH said Chas patients affected by the suspension may refer to the Chas website ( www.chas.sg) for alternative clinics where they can continue to receive subsidies for their chronic conditions.

MOH said its audits uncovered "numerous non-compliant" claims — such as claims for patient visits or chronic conditions with no relevant supporting documentation — which were made over an unspecified period. The ministry added that some doctors from the clinics will also be referred to the Singapore Medical Council for further investigation.

"MOH takes a serious view of errant practices in making Chas claims," a ministry spokesperson said, adding it "will not hesitate to take action where there are cases of significant non-compliance".

Responding to TODAY’s queries, an MOH spokesperson said that the ministry had also received public feedback on Access Medical clinics’ practices. MOH did not elaborate, nor did it reveal the number of patients who will be affected by the suspension.

“We are not able to comment on the number of claims, or share details for these cases as they have been referred to the police,” added the spokesperson.    

The ministry explained that it informed the clinics of an impending suspension at least two weeks before the notice was issued on Oct 8. This was to provide the clinics an opportunity to make representation, it added.

On why the suspension kicks in at a later date, the spokesperson said that as per the Chas agreement, the clinics were given 15 days written notice after the notice of suspension was issued on Oct 8.

“This is mainly to give the clinics time to inform their patients so that alternative arrangements can be made, if necessary,” added the spokesperson.

Access Medical group did not respond to TODAY's queries.

BACKGROUND ON CHAS

Chas, which was introduced in 2012 and administered by the Agency for Integrated Care, allows Singaporeans from lower- and middle-income households, as well as those from the Pioneer Generation, to receive subsidies for medical and dental care.

About 1.3 million Singaporeans can receive subsidised care at about 1,000 private general practitioners and 700 dental clinics islandwide through the scheme.