MORE INNOVATION NEEDED IN SINGAPORE’S HEALTH INSURANCE SAYS MINISTER

The Singaporean health insurance industry needs more innovation, according to health minister Khaw Boon Wan. Giving the keynote address at the South East Asia Health Insurance Conference, Mr Khaw urged insurers to give policyholders sufficient incentives to remain healthy. He also suggested that doctors and hospitals be given incentives to focus on health results for patients. “Try piloting pay-for-performance measures that reward doctors based on the health of the patients they care for, and not for the number of procedures performed”, he suggested. He claimed that, for example, “when a diabetic patient visits a doctor, the doctor bills the buyer for checking the patient’s feet and eyes”, but is not paid for ensuring that the patient controls his diet and exercises regularly, which may be the most important thing to do”.