In recent years, the medical field has witnessed significant advancements, particularly in cancer treatment. One such breakthrough is Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), a precision radiation tool that offers a higher level of safety and effectiveness compared to conventional radiation therapy. However, as with many innovations, we are now at a crossroads where the availability of superior treatments clashes with the need to manage medical costs. This tension raises important ethical considerations and questions about the greater good.
Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) is a type of radiation treatment that precisely targets cancer cells. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, which can damage healthy tissues, PBT is more accurate. This means it can focus on the tumor and cause fewer side effects, like secondary cancers. It is especially useful for treating tumours located in sensitive areas of the body such as the brain, spinal cord, and head and neck.
The main issue with PBT is that it is very expensive. The cost of PBT can be up to three times higher than regular radiation therapy. This situation raises 2 important questions:
If we make PBT available to everyone, healthcare costs will rise. This could (WOULD) lead to higher insurance premiums, making healthcare less affordable for many people.
To prevent this, MOH restricts the subsidies on PBT and it has drawn up a list in which the treatment can be used for. The same list & restrictions apply for our integrated shield plan, which also only covers PBT up to $100,000 per year.
So yes, this is a classic case of ‘greater good requiring sacrifices from all of us’.
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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