Meeting with DMS
SMA, together with Academy of Medicine, Singapore, and College of Family Physicians Singapore, met with Director of Medical Services A/Prof Benjamin Ong. The three professional bodies are working together to help doctors comply with Guideline H3(7) of the 2016 Singapore Medical Council Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines, which will come into force on 1 July 2017. Discussions are also being conducted with third party administrators and Life Insurance Association during this period of time.
Feedback on potential gaps in patient care
SMA highlighted to the Ministry of Health (MOH) important concerns on the risks of potential gaps in patient care, should financial solvency become a problem in large Community Health Assist Scheme-accredited medical groups. MOH is looking into the matter to ensure continuity of care for patients served by such medical groups.
SMA would also like to take the opportunity to remind all members to be familiar with their rights and obligations under their employment, locum or business contracts with third parties as these are not without risks.
Dialogue with OPG
SMA recently met up with representatives from the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to discuss possible support regarding the programme on professional deputyship and professional doneeship. With the emerging trend of elderly individuals without next-of-kin, OPG saw a need for paid doneeship and deputyship services. Professional donees are chosen by individuals while he/she still has mental capacity. The amendment of the Mental Capacity Act in March 2016 introduced the role of professional deputies, appointed by the Court after an individual has lost mental capacity. These professional deputies include licenced trust companies, and professionals including registered doctors that are registered with the Public Guardian. We will provide further details when they become available.
Membership Renewal Lucky Draw
The 2017 SMA Membership Renewal Lucky Draw concluded on 15 February 2017, with more than 1,300 entries from members. Dr Eugene Tan, the winner of the TAG Heuer Connected watch, opined: "I truly believe that it is important to be part of an established professional organisation which represents us as doctors, and which is aligned to the interests of the medical fraternity. I hope to see SMA continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead."
SMA would like to thank all Members who continue to be part of the Membership in 2017. For more information about our other lucky draw winners, please visit https://www.sma.org.sg/membership.
Watch appreciation membership event
SMA collaborated with TAG Heuer for SMA Members and guests to enjoy a night of watch appreciation at the brand's flagship boutique in Wisma Atria. Watch collector and horologist, Dr Bernard Cheong, explained the intricate details behind the makings of a watch to more than 15 participants, and generously presented them with photographs of watches from his personal collection. SMA Members and guests also enjoyed complimentary battery and water resistance checks for their personal TAG Heuer watches at the event.