Subsidies for Drugs on the Standard Drug List (SDL) at Public Healthcare Institutions

The Ministry of Health provides subsidies for drugs used to treat common medical conditions at Public Healthcare Institutions to ensure that patients have access to more affordable care.

24 Feb 2023

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Changes to Standard Drug List (SDL) Subsidy Framework (with effect from 1 Nov 2022)

From 1 November 2022, subsidies for drugs listed on the Standard Drug List (SDL) will be revised.

Revised SDL Drug Subsidy Levels

Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI)1

SCs

No PCHI

Annual Value2≤ $21,000: 75%
Annual Value > $21,000: 50%

$0 < PCHI ≤ $2,000

75%

PCHI > $2,000

50%

*Permanent Residents will continue to receive 25% subsidy.

1Monthly PCHI is computed as the total gross household monthly income divided by the total number of family members living together in the household. Gross monthly household income includes basic employment income, trade/self-employed income, overtime pay, allowances, cash awards, commissions, and bonuses.

2Annual Value is the estimated gross annual rent of a property if it were to be rented out, excluding furnishings and maintenance fees. It is determined by IRAS, and may be checked via mytax.iras.gov.sg.

Standard Drug List (SDL) Subsidy Framework

The Standard Drug List (SDL) subsidy framework provides subsidies for drugs used to treat common medical conditions so that healthcare remains affordable.

The current SDL subsidy framework is as shown below.

Current SDL Drug Subsidy Levels

Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI)1

SCs

No PCHI

Annual Value2≤ $21,000: 75%
Annual Value > $21,000: 50%

$0 < PCHI ≤ $2,000

75%

PCHI > $2,000

50%

*Permanent Residents will continue to receive 25% subsidy.

1Monthly PCHI is computed as the total gross household monthly income divided by the total number of family members living together in the household. Gross monthly household income includes basic employment income, trade/self-employed income, overtime pay, allowances, cash awards, commissions, and bonuses.

2Annual Value is the estimated gross annual rent of a property if it were to be rented out, excluding furnishings and maintenance fees. It is determined by IRAS, and may be checked via mytax.iras.gov.sg. Please note that the revision of AVs in 2023 will not affect subsidy eligibility, as AVs as of 2022 will be used to determine subsidy levels in 2023.