Updated AMS-CFPS-SMA joint advisory
After extensive discussion between the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (AMS); College of Family Physicians Singapore (CFPS) and SMA, the three professional bodies have issued an updated joint advisory on fees paid to managed care and third party administrator (TPA) companies (reproduced on page 12).
We hope that this updated advisory will provide doctors with greater clarity on how to handle transactions with managed care and TPA companies.
Feedback on shortage of GTN tablets
SMA received feedback on a shortage of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) tablets. SMA wrote to the Ministry of Health on 18 April 2017 to highlight this issue and seek assistance on behalf of Members. We will provide updates when we have further information.
Meeting with ACE
On 23 March 2017, SMA Council Members met with Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) Executive Director Dr Daphne Khoo and staff, who presented on how the new agency develops health technology assessments (HTAs). SMA highlighted potential challenges faced by doctors and also provided feedback relating to HTAs.
Meeting with HPB on patient education and empowerment
On 24 March 2017, SMA President Dr Wong Tien Hua and SMA Council Member A/Prof Nigel Tan met with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) chief executive officer Mr Zee Yoong Kang to discuss potential collaborations in the field of patient education and empowerment, including HPB's participation in SMA's upcoming Singapore Medical Week and FutureMed 2017 conference. SMA also indicated interest in participating in HPB's ongoing tobacco control campaign.