GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS (Increase in charges)

Dr Lee Siew-Choh asked the Acting Minister for Health whether he will reconsider his decision to implement from 1st August 1990 the various increases in charges in the outpatient departments and Government hospitals, especially in regard to charges for Class B2 and Class C wards; and whether he will instruct all restructured hospitals to suspend the various increases in charges instituted since 1st April 1990 until Parliament has an opportunity to debate on the issues.

The Acting Minister for Health (Mr Yeo Cheow Tong): Sir, the last comprehensive fee revision was in 1984. Hospital costs have increased by 41% in the last three years. It is therefore not possible for my Ministry to further delay the scheduled fee revision nor is there a need for restructured hospitals to suspend the fee increases instituted since 1st April this year. Any further delay would only result in larger fee increases.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Sir, since the Government has highlighted this new policy of consultative democracy, would the Minister be prepared to really carry out what the Government has already said, namely, to consult the people before they increase the charges?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, in the area of fee increases, in terms of whether or not to increase fees, I think it is not possible for the Government to consult the people. However, what we can do is to provide a range of services for the people to choose from. So if patients who feel that the B2 fees are now unaffordable, they can still opt for the C classes which are still very, very cheap.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: At the present moment, are there C class beds in the Singapore General Hospital?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, whilst there are no C class beds in SGH, there are plenty of empty C class beds in Tan Tock Seng, Toa Payoh, Kandang Kerbau and Alexandra Hospitals. And as the Member knows, SGH will be putting in the C class beds by the end of the year.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: How many C class beds will be put in SGH? Is the Minister suggesting that people who go to SGH and want to go to C class beds will be sent away to other hospitals?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, SGH has a very generous system of fee waivers and fee remissions. Those patients who go to SGH and feel that they cannot afford the SGH B2 fees can request for a partial remission of fees.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: What is the number of C class beds that they want to put in SGH?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: I cannot recall what is the number of proposed C class beds in SGH. But I would suggest that the Member refer to the Hansard for my previous answer on the number.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: I am surprised at the answer given by the Minister. He surely should know.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, I have answered this question several times. So I hope he remembers my answers to all his previous questions as well.

Dr Lee Siew-Choh: Sir, would the number of class C beds be more or less than previously?

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Sir, I do not have such details.