Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Health (a) in each of the last five years, how many times have patients from specialist outpatient clinics at public hospitals and polyclinics declined to collect their prescribed medication; (b) what is the average price of medication declined to be collected by patients; (c) what are the common reasons cited for non-collection; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider collecting such data if it is not currently doing so.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health does not track the number of times patients from specialist outpatient clinics at public hospitals and polyclinics declined to collect their prescribed medication. We also do not monitor the average price of such medication.
A research study published in March 2023 concluded that a wide range of non-cost-related factors influenced medication adherence. This includes concern about side effects, lack of knowledge of the medication and the disease.
Ministry of Health
22 November 2023
https://sprs.parl.gov.sg/search/#/sprs3topic?reportid=written-answer-15149
Office of the Leader of the Opposition 