Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and Singapore is no exception. According to the Singapore Cancer Registry, there were 10,547 new cancer cases diagnosed in 2018. While cancer treatment has come a long way, the cost of cancer care can be high, making it challenging for patients to afford the necessary treatment. This is where the cancer drug list comes into play.
The cancer drug list in Singapore is a list of subsidized drugs provided by the government for cancer patients. These drugs are subsidized up to 75%, making them more affordable for patients. The cancer drug list includes a range of medications for various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancer.
The cancer drug list has had a significant impact on cancer claims in Singapore, especially for patients seeking treatment in private hospitals. Private hospitals typically charge higher fees for cancer treatment compared to public hospitals, and not all cancer drugs may be covered by private insurance plans.
With the cancer drug list, patients have more affordable access to critical cancer drugs, regardless of whether they seek treatment in a public or private hospital. This has helped to reduce the financial burden on patients and made cancer treatment more accessible.
According to the Ministry of Health, cancer drug subsidies account for a significant portion of total healthcare expenditure in Singapore. In 2019, the government spent S$1.3 billion on cancer subsidies, with S$659 million going towards cancer drug subsidies. The percentage of claims for drugs within the cancer drug list is not readily available. However, the number of cancer patients receiving subsidized care has been steadily increasing in recent years.
While the cancer drug list has been a welcome development for cancer patients, it has also raised concerns about the cost of cancer care in Singapore. Cancer treatment can still be expensive, even with subsidies, and patients may still face financial challenges in accessing care.
Moreover, not all cancer drugs are on the cancer drug list, and patients who require non-subsidized drugs may face higher costs. Patients who seek treatment in private hospitals may also face higher costs, as private hospitals may charge higher fees for cancer treatment.
In conclusion, the cancer drug list has had a significant impact on cancer claims in Singapore, providing more affordable access to critical cancer drugs. However, there is still a need to address the cost of cancer care in Singapore to ensure that all patients have access to quality care, regardless of their financial situation.
As the Cancer Drug list is a finite list, it is time we give ourselves choices in the event of catastrophic illness. And not land our love ones in dire financial situation to decide the best and not the “Cheapest” treatment for us.
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Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
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