Healthier SG a shot in the arm for patients, less so for GPs?

FOR Singapore residents, the Healthier SG initiative means lower healthcare costs and greater convenience when visiting a doctor. But for general practitioners (GPs) participating in the programme, the benefits are less clear.

While enrolment in Healthier SG for patients and doctors alike remains voluntary, GP clinics have generally seen an increase in administrative costs arising from their participation.

This is compounded by worries that a component of the initiative that deals with subsidised medication could lead to a fall in drug revenue when it kicks in next year – and it remains unclear if monetary incentives from Healthier SG would make up for the combined shortfall.