SINGAPORE : From January 1 next year, foreigners who are not Permanent Residents (PRs) will not receive any healthcare subsidy.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said PRs will continue to be subsidised for hospital services, but at 5 percentage points less than citizens.

This will be reduced by another 5 percentage points from 1 July 2008.

For example, for Class B1 ward, subsidy level for PRs will go down from 20% currently to 15% in January. By July, the subsidy will be reduced further to 10%.

For Class B2 wards, the subsidy will be lowered from 65% currently to 60% in January and then 55% in July.

For Class C wards, the subsidy will be 75% in January, down from 80% currently. This will be further reduced to 70% in July.

Subsidy for day surgery will be reduced from 65% currently to 60% and subsequently to 55%.

For Specialist Outpatient Clinic, the subsidy will eventually be 40%, down from 50% currently.

The MOH had announced its decision to revise healthcare subsidy levels for non-citizens during a Parliament sitting earlier this year.

It said the move is to provide a clear distinction in health benefits among Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and other foreigners including foreign workers.

But emergency services at hospital emergency departments will not be affected. All patients will continue to be charged the same fees, regardless of nationality. - CNA /ls