ALLOWANCES TO CANCER PATIENTS

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether he will consider introducing a scheme for allowances to cancer patients, similar to the T.B. Treatment Allowances Scheme, in view of the increasing number of cancer patients.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng) (for the Minister for Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the purpose, of the special financial scheme for tuberculosis patients is to support such patients and their families during their period of treatment while they have to remain inactive so that they can be quickly cured and return to normal life. As a patient who suffers from pulmonary tuberculosis is generally a danger to the family and the community, the special financial scheme is therefore primarily a measure taken for the protection of the public health. In this respect, a cancer patient does not fall into the same category as one suffering from tuberculosis. It is for this reason that no special financial provisions have been made for cancer patients, as to render them such assistance will make it necessary for persons affected with other diseases to be similarly eligible for financial assistance.

For needy cancer patients, however, financial assistance is provided under the public assistance scheme and through the Almoners' Welfare Fund, besides a waiver of medical charges if they are treated in the hospitals. In addition to the financial assistance provided by the Social Welfare Department through the Almoners' Welfare Fund and the public assistance scheme, the Singapore Cancer Society, which was set up in 1965, has also set aside sums of money to help needy cancer sufferers resident in Singapore.