Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) launches subsidies for costly cell, tissue, and gene therapies, offering patients new hope for life-saving treatments like CAR T-cell therapy.
From 1 August, Singaporeans who need certain advanced therapies for conditions like blood cancers can receive subsidies. Eligible citizens may have up to 75% of treatment costs covered, with caps depending on household income. This initiative aims to make these treatments more affordable for patients.
Subsidised Therapies Include Cutting-Edge Cell and Gene Treatments
Cell, tissue, and gene therapy products (CTGTPs) use human or animal cells, tissues, or engineered genetic material to treat serious conditions. These therapies directly diagnose, treat, or prevent illnesses such as cancers and genetic disorders. Singapore subsidises tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), the first therapy approved under this scheme. This CAR T-cell therapy alters a patient’s T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Doctors use Kymriah for relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, providing a new option for patients who do not respond to standard treatments.
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Kymriah works by modifying a patient’s blood cells to target and destroy cancer cells. According to MOH, subsidies will only apply to therapies that “have been assessed to be clinically and cost effective, for specific indications, to eligible subsidised patients,” as reported by The Straits Times.
The Ministry also noted that more therapies will be added “based on factors such as clinical need, cost, and clinical effectiveness, and budget impact,” ensuring greater accessibility for patients.
Who Is Eligible for These Subsidies?
Subsidies apply to Singapore citizens and permanent residents who receive cell, tissue, or gene therapy products at public healthcare institutions. Citizens can receive up to 75% of treatment costs, with a cap of $150,000. Meanwhile, permanent residents qualify for up to 22.5% of costs, capped at $45,000.
The level of subsidy depends on the patient’s Monthly Per Capita Household Income (PCHI). MOH determines this through a means test, which calculates income by dividing the household’s total monthly earnings by the number of members. This system allocates subsidies based on overall financial need.
Applying for the Subsidies
Patients do not need to apply for subsidies separately, as MOH automatically provides them based on means-test status for eligible citizens and residents.
Patients needing further financial assistance should approach a medical social worker at their healthcare institution. Additionally, social workers can assess the situation and guide patients through other available financial aid options.
