MOH update on shortage of tetanus vaccine
This is an update on the shortage of the tetanus vaccine.
Following our query to Ministry of Health (MOH) on 23 May 2017, MOH has confirmed that Tetavax, the only tetanus vaccine registered with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), is still in shortage globally with no confirmation on the next available shipment to Singapore.
In accordance with current guidelines on tetanus prophylaxis, doctors who are not able to acquire the tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine may consider the use of other TT-containing vaccines (eg, Tdap). There is also the option of placing orders through importers of unregistered tetanus-containing vaccines via HSA's exemption route. (Note: doctors are fully responsible for the use of drugs they prescribe, whether unregistered or registered.)
The Agency for Integrated Care has also written a letter to all GPs with updates on the current situation.
Clarification on SMA's communication with FHG
On 17 May 2017, SMA emailed members to clarify the contents of a letter sent by Fullerton Healthcare Group (FHG) to members of its Healthcare Panel.
SMA clarified the following:
- SMA met up with FHG at their request. The meeting took place on 13 April 2017 at the SMA office.
- SMA reiterated to FHG that SMA's position is stated in the Joint Advisory on Fees Paid to Managed Care and Third-Party Administrator Companies, co-issued with Academy of Medicine, Singapore and College of Family Physicians Singapore, dated 11 April 2017. The joint advisory clearly states that a fixed fee arrangement is preferred.
- SMA reiterated to FHG that any managed care or third party administrator (TPA) scheme has to enable the medical professional to comply with the 2016 Edition of the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.
- SMA has not endorsed any managed care or TPA scheme as being compliant (or otherwise) with SMC's requirements. The SMA Council is of the opinion that it is not the role of SMA to endorse any particular scheme.
The joint advisory can be found at https://goo.gl/MkpV3z and SMA's full clarification can be found at https://goo.gl/rkpNpu.
Lecture on the role of managed care
On 17 May 2017, SMA President Dr Wong Tien Hua spoke at the lecture, "The Role of Managed Care in the Singapore Healthcare System", organised by the Singapore General Hospital-Postgraduate Allied Health Institute. Dr Wong highlighted results from SMA's 2015 member survey on managed care and also recent regulatory changes. Attendees included pharmacists, speech therapists, medical social workers and other allied health professionals from various public and private hospitals.
Presentation on health insurance
On 24 May 2017, SMA Council member and Health Insurance Task Force (HITF) member, Dr Wong Chiang Yin, spoke on the topic "Overview of Health Insurance in Singapore" at the 11th Annual Health Insurance Asia Conference 2017. Dr Wong provided updates on health insurance, TPAs, the HITF and related issues.