The Ministry of Health (MOH) clarified in a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 9) that it did not say that there was “nothing wrong” in response to queries about a clinic’s billing practice.
MOH said that it was misrepresented in The Straits Times’ article and added: “These words were inserted by ST.”
In The Straits Times’ report published on Aug 9, Ms Adeline Kang, 41, said that she was charged $40 each for stomach pains and a sore throat during a consultation at Wee’s Family Clinic & Surgery in Whampoa Drive.
MOH was quoted as saying that there was “nothing wrong” with Dr Wee’s charges.
After the article was shared on social media, it elicited many angry comments on Facebook, with many netizens expressing their surprise at MOH’s “response”, and others warning their family and friends not to patronise the clinic.
In response to the article, the health ministry said ST journalist Ms Salma Khalik had asked for comments on the case, but did not provide information such as the clinic’s name or the patient’s bills so that MOH could review the case.
Therefore, it provided a general reply explaining what general practitioners usually take into account while charging patients:
“GPs are private providers within our larger healthcare system. Clinic charging varies across clinics and patients, depending on multiple factors. These may include the complexity of the patient’s condition, the length of consultation, the type of treatment and medication provided, and the cost structure of the clinic, including rental and other overhead costs.”
“Clinics are encouraged to display their common charges like consultation fees prominently in their clinics, and provide itemised receipts to patients. However, clinics have the prerogative to deviate from displayed charges, where justifiable. We also encourage patients to clarify with the clinics about their charges when in doubt, in order to minimise misunderstanding.”
After the clinic was identified in the report, MOH said that it will be reviewing the case.
minlee@sph.com.sg
