IMPACT OF FOREIGN PATIENTS ON SINGAPORE'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Mr Chia Shi Teck asked the Minister for Health (a) how many foreign nationals sought medical treatment in Singapore from 1989 to 1993 (up to the latest convenient date); (b) what is the estimated amount they spent on consultation fees, medication and hospitalisation for the same period; (c) what will be the trend and impact of foreign patients on Singapore's health care system; and (d) whether all these external factors have been taken into account in charting our health care system.

Dr Aline K. Wong (for the Minister for Health): About 11,000 foreign nationals come to Singapore specifically to seek medical care and are admitted into hospitals. This is equivalent to approximately 3% of all public and private sector hospital admissions. This figure has not fluctuated much over the past three years. We do not have the data on foreigners who come to seek outpatient care.

Foreign nationals spent an average of $4,000 for each hospitalisation, inclusive of both the hospital and doctors' charges. Foreigners who use public sector hospitals are charged at more than the full cost of treatment.

Foreign nationals who come to Singapore for medical treatment therefore constitute only a small proportion of total patient load in Singapore. As such, they do not impact significantly on our health care system.

All external factors, including projections on foreigners seeking medical treatment in Singapore, are taken into account in the national planning of health services and health manpower.