SUBSIDISED DRUGS FOR TREATING DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

NOTICE PAPER NO. 959 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 15 FEBRUARY 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Leon Perera
MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 2500

To ask the Minister for Health whether the number of drugs being subsidised for medicating depression and anxiety can be expanded, so that psychiatrists can have a wider range of treatments to choose from, for their patients.

Written Answer

MOH provides subsidies for a list of drugs that are assessed by the Drug Advisory Committee (DAC) to be clinically-effective and cost-effective following evaluation by the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE). The DAC regularly reviews the list to ensure that it stays relevant to local population needs, medical practice and evidence on clinical and cost effectiveness. Clinicians in Public Healthcare Institutions (PHIs) also submit recommendations for further drugs to be evaluated by ACE for DAC’s consideration for subsidy coverage, so that the list continues to be relevant and up to date.

Singaporeans who have difficulty coping with their medical bills can apply through medical social workers in PHIs for additional MediFund support, including for non-standard drugs where clinically appropriate.