Free Covid-19 healthcare will be AXED in Singapore for anyone who refuses to be vaccinated

Free Covid-19 healthcare in Singapore will be axed for anyone who refuses to be vaccinated, the city-state’s health minister said yesterday. 

Minister Ong Ye Kung said residents who are eligible for the vaccine but have refused to have it would from December 8 no longer receive free care if they are hospitalised for Covid-19.  

‘Unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources,’ the ministry said in a statement.

The government had always covered the medical bills of those who are fully vaccinated, under 12, or medically ineligible for the jab. 

Singapore has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with more than 85 per cent of the population full jabbed. 

But the city-state’s healthcare system is struggling under the strain of a fierce outbreak – its worst Covid-19 wave since the start of the pandemic – reporting around 2,000-3,000 cases a day and a handful of deaths.

Those affected will still be able to use regular financing arrangements to cover the cost, such as private insurance. 

‘Hospitals really much prefer not to have to bill these patients at all. But we have to send this important signal to urge everyone to get vaccinated if you are eligible,’ he said. 

The health minister said partially vaccinated residents will not be charged for hospital care until after December 31, giving them enough time to get the second jab. 

And medically ineligible patients can from November 15 visit any certified medical practitioner to get an exemption card to prove why they have not had the vaccine. 

The government is also working on an automated system to streamline checks for medically ineligible residents to enter venues without having to show paper documentation.

But the Health Ministry warned unvaccinated residents to minimise their time in the community to avoid catching or spreading Covid-19.   

The ministry said: ‘While we have extended a concession to those who are medically ineligible to be able to dine-in, enter malls and participate in activities where required, they remain unvaccinated and their risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and/or becoming severely ill remains real and very high.

‘We strongly encourage these individuals to minimise such activities and to use this concession judiciously.’ 

Singapore has had a mild outbreak by global standards, and only faced a substantial virus wave in recent months after being hit by the Delta variant. 

Singapore has had a mild outbreak by global standards, and only faced a substantial virus wave in recent months after being hit by the Delta variant (pictured, masked residents walk through the Little India district of Singapore)