Let the public take control

THE Singapore Medical Association's announcement on the withdrawal of fee guidelines has sparked furious debate among the public.
This reflects the public's concern on health-care costs.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore understands this concern and advocates the need for greater billing transparency and other checks and balances to reduce possible inefficiencies of the health-care market in Singapore.

Providing the breakdown of the bill to individual item level will at least allow consumers to compare the costs and assess the value of the services for which they are paying, much like a car workshop repair service or groceries bill.

When it comes to medications, consumers can discuss with their doctors if they prefer more cost-effective options like generic alternatives.

Prescriptions could also be offered to patients to allow them the free choice to shop around for their medicines.

This is particularly pertinent for patients with chronic disease conditions where long-term consumption of mediation is required. Prudent and cost-effective choice of medicines can therefore translate into direct savings.

Pharmacists can complement the services of doctors by adding value to the whole disease-management process through their expert knowledge in medication.

An accurately diagnosed and prudent treatment plan may be wasted when medications are used inappropriately.

Some of the value-added services provided by pharmacists such as identification of medication side effects/allergies, drug interactions and optimal dosages and choice of medication help to promote a safe and cost-effective delivery of health care to the consumer.

In Singapore, pharmacists are also trained to offer professional advice on minor ailments and the safe use of over-the-counter medicines.

Consumers should consult the pharmacist when self-medicating so that appropriate basic assessments could be made and, where necessary, the pharmacist would refer them to a doctor.

We encourage employers and insurance companies to consider reimbursing their employees/policy holders for medicines purchased at pharmacies to treat minor ailments.

This could greatly empower their staff/policy holders to take more personal responsibility towards their own well-being and, at the same time, improve the overall cost-effective utilisation of health-care resources.

Ng Cheng Tiang

President

Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore
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