HIV patients treated no differently from others on subsidies

09 Jan 2010, The Straits Times

Question

Name of the Person: Basant Kapur

Any rethink on move to subsidize HIV medication?

I refer to the commentary by Ms Chua Mui Hoong, 'End the stigma, put HIV drugs on subsidy list' (Nov 30).

In it, she pointed out: 'It has been nearly a year since The Straits Times reported Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan saying that HIV would be treated like any other chronic disease, and that medication for HIV would be subsidised.' However, no follow-up action has been taken since, though Ms Chua had provided cogent reasons why it was timely for the Government to put this matter back on its priority to-do list. Given the Government's emphasis on accountability and transparency, I am surprised that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has not responded at all to Ms Chua's commentary. Doesn't MOH owe the public a substantive response on why the policy pronouncement has not been implemented to date, and when it will be implemented? If there has been a rethink on the issue, transparency requires that the reasons be shared with the public, so the matter can be discussed further.

Reply

Name of the Person: Karen Tan (Ms)

Director, Corporate Communications

Ministry of Health 

IN HIS letter on Monday, 'Any rethink on move to subsidise HIV medication?', Mr Basant Kapur asked about access of HIV patients to HIV medications.

We treat HIV patients no differently from other patients on health-care subsidies. The government subvention policy framework applies to all patients. As inpatients or outpatients, HIV patients enjoy subsidy in accordance with their ward classes.

In Singapore, all HIV patients have access to treatment and medications. Cheaper generic HIV drugs are not yet available here, not until their patents expire. But some patients have been able to get them, as we do not prohibit patients from bringing in medicine from other countries, for their own use.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reviewed the situation and reaffirmed its existing policy. But our doctors have fed back that some HIV patients will require additional financial support. MOH has therefore decided to inject additional funds into Medifund, enabling the Medifund committees to help HIV patients pay their treatment costs, subject to means testing and proven financial needs.

This additional financial assistance through Medifund will include payment for some HIV medications. MOH will announce details shortly.