Update on Assessment to Determine which Polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics Prescribe Paxlovid for COVID-19 Treatment
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Lim Wee Kiak’s inquiry regarding the selection of clinics prescribing Paxlovid, the rollout schedule, and the drug’s cost coverage for unvaccinated persons. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung replied that all polyclinics and 20 pilot PHPCs, chosen by Primary Care Networks for their readiness, have provided the treatment since March 2022. Eligible patients presenting within five days of illness may receive prescriptions at these locations, with the Ministry of Health potentially expanding the service after further review. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung confirmed that the Ministry will fully cover the medication costs for all eligible primary care patients, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. This policy aims to prevent severe illness and hospital admissions, though the current charging framework for Paxlovid will be reviewed by the Ministry in due course.
Transcript
80 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health (a) how will the Ministry determine which polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics prescribe Paxlovid for COVID-19 treatment; (b) when is the roll-out expected to be completed; and (c) whether the Ministry will cover the cost of Paxlovid for unvaccinated persons who are not medically-exempted from COVID-19 vaccination.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: All polyclinics and 20 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) are currently participating in a pilot programme to prescribe Paxlovid to clinically eligible patients in the community. The 20 PHPCs were selected by Primary Care Networks (PCN) based on their readiness to participate in the programme and are located across the island. We may extend this clinical service to more PHPCs after reviewing the experience and outcomes. Starting from 18 March 2022, eligible patients may be referred to the participating PHPCs or polyclinics for a consultation and prescription of Paxlovid, if appropriate.
Paxlovid can be prescribed for any eligible COVID-19 patient who presents within five days of illness and meets the relevant clinical criteria. MOH has been monitoring the demand closely and maintaining a healthy stock of Paxlovid.
For now, MOH will fully cover the drug cost of Paxlovid use in primary care settings, regardless of vaccination status, as it can reduce the likelihood of high-risk patients developing severe COVID-19 and requiring hospital admission. The charging policy for Paxlovid will be reviewed in due course.