SINGAPORE: Singaporeans withdrew a total of S$660 million from
their Medisave accounts to pay for the direct medical expenses
incurred in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities last
year.
This was an increase from the S$590 million withdrawn in
2008.
These figures do not include withdrawals for MediShield and
ElderShield premium payments which were S$745 million in 2008 and
S$875 million in 2009.
52 per cent of the withdrawals in 2009 were to pay for the
members’ own direct medical expenses.
The remaining withdrawals were to pay for family members: 17 per
cent for spouses, 18 per cent for parents, 12 per cent for
children, one per cent for grandparents and others.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan gave this update in a written
reply to MP Dr Lim Wee Kiak on Monday. — CNA/vm
