Feasibility of subsidising PrEP and PEP for HIV

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1722 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 27 FEBRUARY 2023  

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Leong Mun Wai
Non-Constituency MP

Question No. 2727 

To ask the Minister for Health whether any study has been done on the feasibility of including generic emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis onto the Standard Drugs List for the prevention of HIV transmission.

Answer

1 The MOH regularly reviews the Subsidised Drugs List (SDL) and coverage of the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF), to ensure that commonly used drugs are affordable. 

2 Currently, there are 17 anti-retroviral drugs in the SDL or MAF, including emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for use as HIV treatment, but not for pre-exposure prophylaxis in adults. 

3 In Singapore, pre and post-exposure prophylaxis usage are supplementary HIV preventive options for individuals, as they are not fully effective, and do not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.  They should be very careful and avoid sending the wrong signal that these drugs can substitute the recommended HIV prevention methods, such as avoiding casual sex and correct use of condoms.