Committee set up to design MediShield Life - 09Nov2013

SINGAPORE: The Health Ministry has appointed a committee to study the proposed parameters for MediShield Life, the recently announced medical scheme that is to cover all citizens for life. Heading the MediShield Life Review Committee is Mr Bobby Chin, a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers of Singapore and Fellow Chartered Accountant of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants. Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said the committee is expected to complete its review in six months and present its recommendations to his ministry in May 2014. It will consider issues including the balance between benefit enhancements and premium levels. Mr Gan said the committee will engage citizens, key stakeholder groups and experts in its review. In a statement, Mr Chin said: "This is an important review of a policy change that aims to benefit all Singaporeans during their lifetime. To ensure a good balance of views and perspectives, my Committee will comprise members from various stakeholder groups including finance, insurance, medical providers, unions and the grassroots." Mr Chin added that he will share more on the committee's composition and its plans for the review after the members have been appointed. Minister Gan announced the formation of the committee on the sidelines of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital's 103rd anniversary celebrations. Under a redevelopment project, the hospital will be transformed into an integrated nursing home and community hub in four years' time. The number of nursing beds will be increased from the current 350 to about 600, making the hospital the largest single-site nursing home operator in Singapore in 2017. Besides the expansion of inpatient facility, there will also be a suite of care services for the elderly. This includes traditional Chinese medicine, day rehabilitation, neurology care and dementia care. www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/committee-set-up-to/880566.html