Adjournment motion on recognising eczema as a chronic disease
Eczema affects an estimated 20 per cent of children and 11 per cent of adults in Singapore. In its moderate to severe form, it can cause physiological and psychological symptoms intense enough to affect patients’ quality of life. Conventional treatments alone usually do not work, while newer treatments that are more effective and carry fewer risks also bear a hefty cost. MP Tin Pei Ling made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 12) when she urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) to recognise eczema as a chronic disease requiring more support. Adding moderate to severe eczema to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) will enable early intervention in treatment, reduce complications and give patients financial relief, she said. She also called for a newer biologic drug called dupilumab to be covered under MOH’s list of subsidised drugs and Medication Assistance Fund. In reply, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said in 2020, the Clinical Advisory Committee (CAC) decided not to include eczema under the CDMP. He explained that there are currently no standardised national guidelines for treating eczema and care practices vary significantly. This may lead to challenges such as overdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. However, guidelines are being developed and when those are established, the CAC will review the matter again. Dr Janil also outlined the subsidies that patients can already receive for eczema treatment and explained why dupilumab is not on the list of subsidised drugs.
Eczema affects an estimated 20 per cent of children and 11 per cent of adults in Singapore. In its moderate to severe form, it can cause physiological and psychological symptoms intense enough to affect patients’ quality of life. Conventional treatments alone usually do not work, while newer treatments that are more effective and carry fewer risks also bear a hefty cost. MP Tin Pei Ling made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 12) when she urged the Ministry of Health (MOH) to recognise eczema as a chronic disease requiring more support. Adding moderate to severe eczema to the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) will enable early intervention in treatment, reduce complications and give patients financial relief, she said. She also called for a newer biologic drug called dupilumab to be covered under MOH’s list of subsidised drugs and Medication Assistance Fund. In reply, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said in 2020, the Clinical Advisory Committee (CAC) decided not to include eczema under the CDMP. He explained that there are currently no standardised national guidelines for treating eczema and care practices vary significantly. This may lead to challenges such as overdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. However, guidelines are being developed and when those are established, the CAC will review the matter again. Dr Janil also outlined the subsidies that patients can already receive for eczema treatment and explained why dupilumab is not on the list of subsidised drugs.
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