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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg |
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Statement on medical subsidies for
foreign workers |
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Currently, public hospitals and polyclinics
treat foreigners and citizens alike, as far as access to government
subsidy is concerned. |
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The Ministry of Health is reviewing this
policy. As subsidy is inevitably limited, more subsidy for foreigners
means less subsidy for the needy citizens. |
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There is a case for removing healthcare
subsidy from foreigners. In particular, subsidising foreign workers
means subsidising employers, which is probably not appropriate. |
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Actually, the vast majority of employers
provide medical benefits as part of employment terms. Most employers of
foreign workers send their workers for treatment at private GPs. But a
minority of employers do not. They should be encouraged to follow
industry norm. |
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NTUC has supported the proposed approach for
foreign workers. In a press statement, NTUC highlighted that the
employers should pay for the healthcare costs of their foreign workers
as part of their employment terms, with or without Government subsidy. |
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MOH is studying the details, with a view to
implement the revised approach in polyclinics before end 2005. |
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Foreigners who use polyclinics services will
then be charged at full cost. |
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As for public hospitals, MOH is working with
MOM and NTUC to see if we should make it mandatory for medical insurance
to be introduced for foreign workers. |
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Related Info: |
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NTUC Press Statement supporting the Ministry's proposal - "Employers
Should be Responsible for Overall Health & Welfare of All Workers" |
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Source:
www.moh.gov.sg Press Release 29 Sep
2005 |
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Important
Notice |
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FrontPage Edition: Thu 29 Sep 2005
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