Public Health Institutions Hiring Third Party Bill Collectors

49 Ms Ng Ling Ling asked the Minister for Health (a) how many public health institutions (PHIs) hire third party bill collectors; and (b) whether there are established processes for these collectors to refer payment defaulting patients to the medical social workers of the PHIs when the patients are found to be in genuine hardship.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The majority of public healthcare institutions utilise third party bill collection services to follow up on outstanding bills. If a patient expresses difficulty in repayment, the collectors will provide the contact details of a medical social worker who can help to assess the patient's eligibility for financial assistance.