Singapore's health ministry suspends 10 clinics in public health scheme participation

Claims revealed that they did not comply with the service to some patients.

Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) will suspend 10 clinics from participating in the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) amidst claims that the clinics had some incidents of non-compliance for patients with no relevant supporting documentation.

From 23 October, access clinics in Bedok South, Circuit Road, East Coast, Kim Keat, Marine Terrace, Toa Payoh, Whampoa, Jurong West, Redhill Close and Bukit Batok will be suspended from the scheme.

According to findings from MOH’s audits, several claims were gathered that the said clinics were not complying to giving CHAS for some patient visits or chronic conditions with no relevant supporting documentation

“In line with the Singapore Medical Council’s Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines, doctors cannot abuse the doctor-patient relationship for personal gain,” director of medical services Benjamin Ong said. “We remind all doctors to act in the best interest of the patient and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.”

MOH urged CHAS patients to actively seek advice from their doctors and dentists if they have any queries on their bills. The agency also recommended patients to look for alternative CHAS clinics within their vicinities.

“MOH takes a serious view of errant practices in making CHAS claims,” the agency said.

The agency noted that they have forwarded the case to the police. They will also be referring specific doctors involved to the Singapore Medical Council for further investigation. 

CHAS provides subsidies for medical and dental care to about 1.3 million Singapore Citizens from lower- to middle-income households, as well as all pioneer generation members, at participating General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics.