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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
MOH engaging Great Eastern to better understand suspension of Mount Elizabeth pre-authorisation
GE's rationale was that high costs from the two named hospitals were the reason for this decision. PHOTO: ST FILE SINGAPORE – The Ministry of Health (MOH) is engaging insurance group Great Eastern (GE) to better understand the impact of its decision to suspend pre-authorisation certificates for the Mount Elizabeth hospitals. In its reply to queries from the media, MOH said Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) insurers 'would have to ensure that policyholders continue to be able to access the full benefits of their policies in accordance with the terms and conditions for claims, as stated in their policy contracts'. GE, in a message to its panel doctors earlier this week, said it has temporarily stopped issuing pre-authorisation certificates from June 17 for policyholders admitted to Mount Elizabeth and Mount Elizabeth Novena hospitals. Its rationale was that high costs from the two named hospitals, compared with other private hospitals, were the reason for this decision. Pre-authorisation confirms that the insurer has approved the medical treatment, including the costs, before the treatment begins. GE told its panel doctors the decision was not a reflection of their clinical quality, but the insurer was 'prioritising facilities that deliver the same high-quality care with greater cost transparency and cost-effectiveness'. The decision took both the hospitals and GE policyholders by surprise. In its e-mail to the media, MOH said the ability to afford major medical expenses is understandably a concern for Singaporeans and that all Singaporeans are covered by MediShield Life, which is sized to provide coverage for large subsidised bills. 'Singaporeans may opt to purchase IPs or additional coverage. As these are commercial products, while MOH regulates the key parameters of IPs for financial sustainability, individual insurers' changes to administrative processes such as pre-authorisation framework and partnerships with private providers are based on their commercial and actuarial considerations.' The Straits Times has reached out to both GE and IHH Healthcare , which owns the Mount Elizabeth hospitals. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Agriland
13-06-2025
- Agriland
Report published on work of NPWS in 2024
A report detailing the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in 2024 has been published by the government. Among the notable highlights in the report is the increase of national parks from six to eight, including the establishment of Ireland's first marine national park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara Ciarraí in Co. Kerry. National parks in Ireland saw over 5.5 million visitors in 2024, according to the report. 2024 also saw the publication of Ireland's fourth National Biodiversity Action Plan, which is the first to be backed by legislation and legal requirements for public bodies to 'embed biodiversity and report their progress'. The report also said that protection of waters in Ireland increased from 2% to 9%, including the 'Seas off Wexford' Special Protected Area (SPA). The report noted that peatland habitat restoration measures were completed on an area of more than 565ha across eight protected raised bog sites under NPWS programmes. On the issue of 'wildlife crime', the report said that the NPWS enhanced collaboration with other enforcement agencies, including An Garda Síochána, with 30 new prosecution cases for alleged breaches of wildlife legislation. Throughout 2024, the NPWS continued to administer seven LIFE projects, including the LIFE 'integrated projects' (IPs) such as Wild Atlantic Nature and the Corncrake LIFE. The purpose of these projects, according to the NPWS, is to protect and restore Ireland's habitats and species. Other projects include Tochár Wetlands Restoration, and a new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for breeding wader birds. Commenting on the NPWS report, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: 'Notable achievements for the NPWS last year included the acquisition of land for nature; the expansion of national parks; rolling out a range of conservation projects; and strengthening partnerships with communities around the country.' 'This government is committed to continuing this work. 2025 sees record levels of investment in our natural heritage, including €78 million in core funding to the NPWS. 'I would like thank NPWS staff around the country for their exceptional work to protect our valuable natural heritage for all of us and future generations,' Minister Browne added. Also commenting on the report, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said: 'Our National Parks and Nature Reserves are vital ecosystems which combat climate change, protect biodiversity and provide spaces for recreation, mental wellbeing and the enjoyment of Ireland's wild landscapes. 'Ensuring that the NPWS has the resources it needs to thrive is essential to safeguarding these spaces for the species which depend on them for survival, along with the 5.5 million people who visited and enjoyed Ireland's national parks last year,' Minister O' Sullivan added. Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of the NPWS, said: 'A wide range of NPWS initiatives, projects and funding streams are now delivering positive change for nature. 'Partnership with communities, farmers and landowners has been key, and I would like to pay tribute to them for their ongoing collaboration,' Ó Donnchú.
Straits Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Financial advisers must adhere to high ethical standards and industry regulations
Forum: Financial advisers must adhere to high ethical standards and industry regulations We thank Dr Tan Yia Swam for her letter 'Insurance agents asking doctors to change codes to ensure claims go through' (April 17) and refer to the Ministry of Health's reply 'MOH will review MediShield Life coverage for prophylactic mastectomy' ( April 22). We would like to provide more context regarding Integrated Shield Plans (IPs), preventive treatments and ethical guidelines for financial adviser representatives. IPs offer coverage for hospitalisation, surgery and selected outpatient treatments on top of MediShield Life coverage. As IPs are today designed to cover medically necessary treatments, treatments and procedures that are preventive in nature are not claimable. IP insurers are constantly seeking ways to balance the scope of coverage with premium affordability and sustainability for policyholders. Benefits and coverages are reviewed from time to time, taking into consideration advancements in clinical practice and medical science. We note that the Ministry of Health is undertaking a review of the matter. IP insurers will review the scope of IP coverage accordingly. Financial adviser representatives play a key role in providing advice to their clients on insurance products, including IPs, and must adhere to high ethical standards and industry regulations. If consumers or healthcare practitioners encounter potential misconduct, including being pressured to misrepresent medical codes for claims, they should provide the details to the relevant insurers for further investigation and action. We recognise the complexity of the situation and good intentions of all parties involved. The life insurance industry is committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to best address the needs of policyholders equitably. Chan Wai Kit Executive Director Life Insurance Association, Singapore More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
