Feedback on MRA
SMA's representatives participated in a consultation conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on proposed amendments to the Medical Registration Act (MRA). Apart from submitting feedback on other matters, we had also proposed for the MRA to be aligned to Section 85(19) of the Legal Profession Act so as to reduce frivolous complaints and to potentially reduce delays in genuine cases.
Member query on fitness for employment
SMA received a member query in October 2018, seeking advice on follow-up actions for a possible HIV-positive result conducted as part of a work permit medical examination.
Our recommendations included contacting the clinical laboratory to confirm the test results and also to notify the MOH as stipulated in the regulations under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Members who face practice-related issues may write to sma@sma.org.sg to seek the opinions of fellow practitioners within the SMA Council.
First SMA Council meeting at new premises
The SMA Council held its first council meeting at SMA's new premises on 25 October 2018.
The Council is optimistic that the new location, landlord and neighbours will provide the right support for SMA as we continue in our advocacy role for our Members and their patients in Singapore's healthcare ecosystem.
Feedback on Fee Benchmarks Advisory Committee's Report
SMA representatives participated in a consultation by the MOH on the Fee Benchmarks Advisory Committee's Report and recommendations. The fee benchmarks were subsequently published by MOH on 13 November 2018.
SMA supports the introduction of the fee benchmarks and sees it as one of the key measures to help control healthcare costs. SMA's full response can be found on page 17.
The SMA Council wishes to take this opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to the hard work and significant time invested by all who contributed to the development of the fee benchmarks, as well as earlier editions of the SMA Guideline on Fees. We believe the effort will be rewarded as doctors, patients and payors would all benefit from the greater clarity of fees and affordability of healthcare.
Medical student leaders meet with SMA Council
Current student leaders of the three local medical schools met up with representatives of the SMA Council on 15 November 2018 to discuss current and future plans, and to brainstorm how SMA can continue to support the learning and growth of medical students in Singapore. SMA also hopes to play a key role in bringing students from all three schools together to build collegiality within the profession.