Medical Benefits for Civil Servants Given Increasing Medical Costs

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang asked the Prime Minister (a) whether medical benefits for civil servants will be adjusted in view of the rising cost of medical treatments; (b) whether the cap of $70 for dental subsidy that was set in 1980 will be raised; and (c) whether the annual cap of $350 on medical subsidy for outpatient treatment will be enhanced.

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Mr Teo Chee Hean (for the Prime Minister): I would like to thank Members for their interest in the medical benefits for civil servants. In July this year, Mr Zainal Sapari had also asked whether the Civil Service would consider increasing the quantum of medical benefits under the Medisave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) Scheme. I would like to assure this House that the Public Service Division (PSD) is currently in the midst of reviewing the medical benefits for civil servants.

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As part of the review, PSD will benchmark the Civil Service medical benefits with the market and assess if the current provisions are sufficient to meet the needs of officers. The review is expected to be completed by the end of this year and we will make adjustments to the medical benefits if necessary.

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