Reviewing Subsidies for Targeted Eczema Therapies and Providing Considerations for Patient Eligibility, Subsidy Duration and Cost Effectiveness

77 Dr Hamid Razak asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will review current subsidy frameworks for targeted eczema therapies, including biologics and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors; and (b) if so, what key considerations will guide patient eligibility, subsidy duration and cost-effectiveness assessments.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Oral conventional systemic immunosuppressants, biologics and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are commonly prescribed for moderate to severe eczema cases resistant to topical treatment. There are also immunosuppressants and a JAK inhibitor – abrocitinib – that are subsidised. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for these subsidies at public healthcare institutions.

The Ministry of Health will continue to review the list of subsidised drugs for eczema treatment. Subsidies are provided for drugs that are assessed to be clinically- and cost-effective, which in turn takes into account prices proposed by the companies, drug efficacy and the availability of effective alternatives.