Notices of Suspension of CHAS Participation for Three Medical Clinics

1.          The Ministry of Health (MOH) has served notices of intended suspension of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) accreditation of Bedok Day & Night Clinic, Jurong Day & Night Clinic, and MW Medical Centre (Cross Street), on 9 May 2017.

2.          Audits by MOH of claims made by the clinics have revealed that the three clinics had over a period of time made numerous non-compliant CHAS claims including claims for consultations and treatments which were not performed.  

3.          The clinics will be given two weeks to respond to MOH. If they are unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, their CHAS participation will be suspended. If suspended, doctors in the clinics can continue to provide medical treatment, but they will not be able to submit CHAS claims on behalf of patients. 

4.          MOH takes a serious view of such errant practices. MOH has referred these cases to the Police, and will also be referring the doctors allegedly involved in these errant practices to the Singapore Medical Council for further investigations.

5.          Associate Professor Benjamin Ong, Director of Medical Services, said: 

“Through CHAS, MOH has partnered private medical and dental clinics to make subsidised primary care more accessible for lower- to middle-income Singapore Citizens and all Pioneers. CHAS claims submitted by clinics are closely monitored by the Ministry. The majority of our CHAS clinics comply with the rules and guidelines. When there are cases of significant non-compliance, MOH will not hesitate to take action.                              

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all doctors of their duty to adhere to the highest standard of professionalism and always act in the best interest of the patient. The Singapore Medical Council’s Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines state that doctors cannot abuse the doctor-patient relationship for personal gain.” 

6.          MOH encourages CHAS patients to actively engage their doctors and dentists if they have any queries on their bills. If they come across any suspicious or unusual claims, they can contact MOH (1800-225-4122).

Background on CHAS

7.          Introduced by MOH in 2012, CHAS provides subsidies for medical and dental care to Singapore Citizens from lower- to middle-income households, as well as all Pioneer Generation members, at participating GP and dental clinics. Today, about 1.3 million Singaporeans have a CHAS or PG card, and they can receive subsidised care at about 950 GP and 700 dental CHAS clinics islandwide.

8.          CHAS and Pioneer Generation cardholders who wish to check the CHAS subsidies that clinics have claimed for them may do so by logging in to the “MY CHAS” module on the CHAS website (www.chas.sg) or by calling the CHAS hotline (1800-275-2427).

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
9 MAY 2017