CASES OF CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA DIAGNOSED IN SINGAPORE IN PAST 10 YEARS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3161

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 12 NOVEMBER 2024

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Tan Wu Meng

MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 6752

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many cases of craniopharyngioma, a rare type of non-cancerous brain tumour, are diagnosed in Singapore in the past ten years; (b) how many patients with craniopharyngioma have suffered significant morbidity or disability due to the condition or consequences of medically recommended treatment; and (c) whether such patients can qualify for the subsidy and support typically afforded to cancer patients, in the event craniopharyngioma impacts life and function to an extent commensurate with malignant tumours.

Answer

1. Based on national claims data, around 40 patients were diagnosed with craniopharyngioma between 2014 and 2023. MOH does not collect morbidity- or disability- related data specific to craniopharyngioma.

2. Patients with craniopharyngioma can qualify for subsidies, Medisave and MediShield Life coverage like all other patients, including for cancer drugs if they require them. This includes subsidies of up to 80% plus MediSave and MediShield Life for their inpatient stays, surgeries, and outpatient radiotherapy. Patients who face difficulty affording their healthcare bills after subsidies, MediSave and MediShield Life can approach medical social workers at our public healthcare institutions for further support.