It’s not just about paying more for food and transport; the rising cost of living and inflation is affecting healthcare as well. CNA Women finds out the impact of rising healthcare costs on Singapore women and what they're doing to cope.
The cost was a third cheaper and although it didn’t come with any other scans, which her gynaecologist would normally perform, the 39-year-old felt it was cost effective, given the upward trend in the cost of living.
Lim is not alone. Other women are also making decisions on which doctor they see to manage their health, based on rising healthcare costs in Singapore. The costs were not an issue in the beginning but when nothing helped, it became an expensive experiment to figure out what’s what. “It’s cheaper, a lot more reliable and I now know what’s wrong with me. I can be active now and know what food to avoid. Best of all, my medication is affordable,” Lee said. She also found the system allowed her to be referred to specialists easily, even if the wait in public healthcare settings is longer.
Interestingly, a quarter of the Singaporeans surveyed said they explored a natural approach to health and included yoga and meditation techniques to improve their mental well-being. Some 29 per cent have cut back on medical expenses, citing inflation. Many were concerned about job loss, alluding to the financial impact the loss would have on their lives.Dr Adaline Ng, senior principal clinical psychologist at Better Life Psychological Medicine, said: “There is a trend of women either seeing GPs or TCM practitioners before seeking specialist treatments. The difference between a specialist and a GP could be up to S$200.
“Over the last few years, the public has become more aware that they can see GPs for first line consultation for common women’s health concerns, such as cervical cancer screening, menstrual issues and contraception,” said Dr Grace Huang, resident physician at DTAP Clinic.She added that there is “no difference” in going to either for routine cervical cancer screening – for example, a Pap smear or HPV test – and.
Dr Janice Tung, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and accredited IVF specalist at The O&G Specialist Clinic at Thomson Medical Centre, said: “Most of my patients in private healthcare are not significantly affected by small increases or the GST hikes. Most are covered by insurance for costly surgical procedures.
In one study, women with children reported lower scores in both financial and mental well-being, which are strongly connected.
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