AIDS PATIENTS

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Health (a) whether he is aware of the rising number of AIDS patients and what steps his Ministry will take to contain the spread; and (b) whether these AIDS patients can afford medical treatment and, if not, what other sources of funding are available for young patients who are also the primary breadwinners for their families.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: My Ministry is fully aware of AIDS as a disease of public health importance in Singapore. As early as 1985, we implemented the National AIDS Control Programme, even before the first case of HIV infection was detected. The multi-pronged control strategy comprises health education, protection of the national blood supply, counselling and management of the infected and their contacts, surveillance of the disease, and the training of personnel. With no cure or vaccine for the disease, the main focus in the control of AIDS in Singapore continues to be on health education.

As at 31st March 2000, a cumulative total of 1,194 Singaporeans have been reported to be HIV infected since 1985. Among them, there were 508 asymptomatic carriers, 283 with full-blown AIDS and 403 have died. Over the last five years, the rise in the number of HIV infections in Singapore appears to be slowing down, with the rate of increase declining from 29% in 1994-1995 to 4% in 1998-1999. My Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary and timely measures to control the disease are taken where appropriate.

HIV/AIDS patients have access to subsidised inpatient and outpatient care like any other patient. This covers hospital charges, radiological and laboratory charges, treatment of complications with standard drugs where appropriate and consultation charges.

Currently, there is no subsidy for anti-retroviral drugs, which are considered non-standard drugs. This is no different from all other non-standard drugs used to treat cancers, hypertension, etc. which are also not subsidised.

The estimated monthly cost of "Optimal" therapy, which involves the use of 3-drug combination and including a protease inhibitor, is between $1200 and $1600. A less expensive therapy with 2-drug combination and without a protease inhibitor would cost about $600 per month. Patients are allowed to use $500 per month from their Medisave account for any of the anti-retroviral drugs that are registered in Singapore.

The treatment of HIV/AIDS is very expensive. It delays but does not prevent the onset of AIDS. The effectiveness of such therapy over the long term is still not known. Treatment would have to be life-long as studies have shown that the virus rebounds soon after treatment is halted. Therefore, we should channel our available resources to more cost-effective treatments for the benefit of the majority of patients.

HIV/AIDS patients who require further financial assistance could approach Action for AIDS (AfA) or other charitable organisations for help.