Position statement on troubled Integrated Shield Plans
In the past few months, there has been a lot of discussion on the changes in Integrated Shield Plan (IP) policy terms and the long-term sustainability of the IP scheme. The SMA 61st Council has issued a Position Statement to address this matter and make our position clear. This paper aims to discuss the current state of affairs and explore ways of ensuring sustainability of the IP scheme while safeguarding patients' interests and right of choice of healthcare providers.
The position statement can be found at https://sma.org.sg/PositionStatement/sma-position-statements-issued.
SMA representation in MHIC
The Ministry of Health has announced on 14 April 2021 the appointment of a 12-member Multilateral Healthcare Insurance Committee (MHIC) comprising representatives from stakeholders including SMA, Life Insurance Association, Academy of Medicine, Singapore and private hospitals.
Dr Tan Yia Swam and Dr Ng Chee Kwan from the SMA Council will be the SMA representatives to the MHIC. We see our role as being representatives of doctors and the voice of our patients. We welcome the formation of the committee and hope the MHIC discussions can help in achieving fair, equitable outcomes for all as well as a sustainable healthcare system.
To view the announcement, visit https://bit.ly/3mMmpAZ
Passing of Dr Yong Nen Khiong
The SMA Council informs with regret the news of Dr Yong Nen Khiong's demise on 15 March 2021. Dr Yong was SMA's longest serving President, serving six years over the periods of 1980 to 1981; 1982 to 1985; and 1987 to 1989. He was conferred SMA's highest honour, the SMA Honorary Membership, in 2002.
The SMA Council wishes to extend our deepest condolences to Dr Yong's family during this time of grief. SMA sent a delegation to Dr Yong's funeral wake. The eulogy for Dr Yong can be found on page 12.
Keeping email addresses updated
SMA sends emails regularly to update Members on important matters. One of our recent emails, sent on 26 March 2021, informed Members of the 61st SMA Council's Position Statement on Integrated Shield Plans.
If you did not receive the email from SMA on 26 March 2021, or you have not been receiving emails from SMA, do contact membership@sma.org.sg with your updated email address.