Ong Ye Kung on cancer drug claims and insurance coverage

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will review how to improve the transparency of cancer drug prices so that patients can make informed decisions and encourage healthcare providers to calibrate their mark-ups. MOH is also monitoring cancer drug claims and coverage closely and will work with the Monetary Authority of Singapore to take further steps to regulate Integrated Shield Plans and riders if costs continue to escalate. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said this in Parliament on Friday (Apr 21) in response to questions from MPs. They had asked if insurers offering massive additional coverage for cancer treatment through riders was a cause for concern. Mr Ong also revealed that the annual number of Singaporeans and Permanent Residents receiving cancer drug treatment services rose 40 per cent between 2017 and 2021 to 31,500. Eighty-four per cent were treated in public health institutions and the rest in private medical institutions. This proportion has remained stable over the past few years, said Mr Ong