By Sara Grosse, Channel NewsAsia, 12 Mar 2012
The government gave out more than S$78 million in Medifund aid to needy patients in the financial year ending March 2011.
This is S$14 million more than 2009, or an increase of 22 per cent.
The Health Ministry announced this when it released the 2010 Medical Endowment Fund Annual Report on Monday.
Medifund was created by the government in April 1993 to help needy Singaporeans who are unable to afford their medical bills, despite government subsidies, Medisave and MediShield.
The government gave out more than S$78 million in Medifund aid to needy patients in the financial year ending March 2011.
This is S$14 million more than 2009, or an increase of 22 per cent.
The Health Ministry announced this when it released the 2010 Medical Endowment Fund Annual Report on Monday.
Medifund was created by the government in April 1993 to help needy Singaporeans who are unable to afford their medical bills, despite government subsidies, Medisave and MediShield.
Nearly 87 per cent of funds disbursed, or S$68.2 million, went to patients in the acute sector, while S$10.5 million was disbursed to those in the intermediate and long-term care sector.
The Health Ministry said Medifund reached out to more needy elderly patients in 2010 - they received S$23.2 million of Medifund assistance, a 22.8 per cent increase compared to 2009.
Successful applications also went up by 22 per cent to more than 480,000 in 2010.
MOH said of the successful applications, 9 in 10 received full assistance, that is 100 per cent assistance for the outstanding subsidised bill.
On average, those who received inpatient care received S$1,321 in Medifund and Medifund Silver assistance per application, while those on outpatient care received S$94 per application.
The Medifund Silver scheme was launched in November 2007 to provide targeted assistance to needy elderly patients aged 65 and older in restructured hospitals and institutions. The scheme was extended to intermediate and long-term care facilities funded by voluntary welfare organisations in 2008.
One beneficiary was Low Meng Charn, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer a few years ago.
One beneficiary was Low Meng Charn, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer a few years ago.
The unemployed 62-year-old had to undergo two surgeries in 2010 - one to remove his bladder and another his rectum.
Each surgery cost over S$3,000 and was covered under Medifund as well as MediShield and Medisave.
Mr Low said: "After surgery, I had to collect medicine and see the doctor. And I didn't have to pay for my medical fees. They were paid for with Medifund."
Consumables, like Mr Low's stoma bag, are covered by Singapore General Hospital's Needy Patient Fund.
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