Govt has no plans to roll back or stop haze subsidy scheme: Amy Khor

Govt has no plans to roll back or stop haze subsidy scheme: Amy Khor

    By Kimberly Spykerman
    POSTED: 01 Jul 2013 6:25 PM
  
The government has no plans to roll back or stop the haze subsidy scheme. Minister of State for Health Amy Khor said this during a visit to Northeast Medical Group's Simei clinic, a participating GP clinic under the scheme.

SINGAPORE: The government has no plans to roll back or stop the haze subsidy scheme.

Minister of State for Health Amy Khor said this on Monday during a visit to Northeast Medical Group's Simei clinic, a participating general practitioner (GP) clinic under the scheme.

The subsidy scheme is meant for vulnerable groups seeking treatment for haze-related ailments.

Under the scheme, which started on June 21, those in the vulnerable groups - which include the elderly and children - only need to pay S$10 if they visit the polyclinic.

Dr Khor said the scheme will continue as there is no closure to the haze situation yet, and it will remain in force for as long as needed.

Six hundred and forty-three GP clinics have now signed up under the scheme.

Dr Khor said: "We need to continue to be vigilant because the haze period is not yet over and we will need to use this lull period to strengthen further our contingency plans and make sure we are ready, if the situation were to deteriorate."

She also emphasised that the Health Ministry has contingency plans in case the haze situation returns and deteriorates badly.

She added that the haze situation has highlighted the important role of the GPs, and that they are an integral part of the healthcare system in helping to care for Singaporeans and meet the demand for healthcare services.

"This is very important because it will allow Singaporeans, particularly the vulnerable, the elderly, the needy, to access the care they need more conveniently and easily at the GPs, and be able to have the care at an affordable rate. They do not have to be deterred because of affordability concerns," she said.

- CNA/ms

- wong chee tat :)