Healthcare costs are on the rise all over the world, including in Singapore, because of factors ranging from inflation to ageing populations. As of 2021, the government accounted for more than half of Singapore’s healthcare expenditure, while a fifth comes out of individuals’ pockets.
Some are asking: Why can’t healthcare be free, or why aren’t there more subsidies? The short answer: Sustainably financing healthcare requires careful balancing.
CNA Insider speaks to hospital frontliners, an economist and others to uncover what’s driving healthcare costs up — and how these can be managed. To ensure that healthcare remains affordable for all, the government is raising MediShield Life premiums from April 2025 to support higher claim limits and expanded coverage for more treatments such as cell, tissue and gene therapy.
(Video produced in partnership with the Ministry of Health.)
00:00 Introduction
02:34 Why knee-replacement surgery has gotten more costly
03:18 How a hospital fights inflation and rising manpower costs
04:14 Why an ageing population means more expensive healthcare
04:59 How Singapore pays for healthcare: subsidies, insurance and savings
05:39 Why can’t healthcare be free of charge?
06:02 Why can’t healthcare be more heavily subsidised?
06:25 Why not rely on private insurance only?
07:13 Expanding MediShield Life coverage: What are the trade-offs?
09:45 How the Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) keeps drug, medtech costs low
11:10 How General Practitioners(GP) can help reduce costs
11:51 Why enrol in Healthier SG?
Have feedback or an idea for a story? Email cnainsider@mediacorp.com.sg
#CNAInsider #Singapore #hospital #Healthcare #healthcarecosts
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