Means testing was first suggested as a solution to overcrowded
beds primarily in govt hospitals. There were widespread reports
that people were checking themselves into class C wards over minor
and trivial medical conditions, which the hospital cannot cater
to.
In essence, doctors and nurses viewed these select group of people
who hoard the beds as abusing the healthcare system with their
shameless acts, just because they can 'pay' for it, denying vacancy
to those really needy ones.
The objective behind means testing is admirable, but has the Health
ministry really done a thorough review of the criteria and
acceptance based on their formula? When initially raised at the
last elections, it was taken to task by Sylvia Lim of the WP, and
rightly so because there wasn't a strong set of guidelines
governing it.
At that time, it is also believed that the plan was rescinded
because it may cause the ruling party to lose votes; an unpopular
plan would undoubtedly lose peoples confidence.
Now that it has been re-introduced this time, without any form of
referendum, it raises questions whether sufficient review of the
concept has been performed to iron out the kinks, or if it was
simply a convenient time (post election) to push the same
untinkered policy.
