I recently asked a parliamentary question to obtain data about patients at public hospitals and polyclinics who declined to collect their prescribed medication. In my question, I sought information on the frequency of such occurrences, the average price of medication declined by patients, the common reasons cited for non-collection, and whether the Ministry of Health (MOH) would consider collecting this data if it is not currently doing so. I was seeking to address a concern that had been brought up to me about whether the cost of medication could be a reason for their non-collection.
In response, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung explained that MOH does not currently track the number of times patients decline to collect their prescribed medication, nor do they monitor the average price of such medication. Instead, he referred to a research study published in March 2023 that highlighted various non-cost-related factors influencing medication adherence. These factors include concerns about potential side effects, lack of knowledge about the medication and the underlying disease.
I looked up the research study that the Minister was likely referring to. The study mentioned that:
Although financial issues were not mentioned as a factor substantially hindering medication adherence, a minority of participants expressed that paying for regular prescriptions could be a burden for the family in the long term and hence would likely impede medication adherence. As one participant described: “The new oral medication for my diabetes was so costly as it was not covered by subsidies. My family is not well-off. So I stopped the medication.” (#4, M, 71)
The issue of patients declining to collect prescribed medication is a matter of concern. It can lead to worsened medical conditions, increased complications and higher healthcare costs due to delayed and more intensive treatment. Understanding non-collection reasons is vital for healthcare providers and policymakers to craft effective strategies for boosting medication adherence. These include addressing cost-related and other barriers.
The Minister did not answer my question about whether the Ministry will consider collecting such data. I would argue that public healthcare providers should track this to better grasp the medication adherence challenges and enhance patient care and outcomes.
Here is the full question and answer on 22 November 2023
DATA OF PATIENTS FROM SPECIALIST OUTPATIENT CLINICS AT PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND POLYCLINICS DECLINING COLLECTION OF MEDICATION IN LAST FIVE YEARS
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.
Source: Parliament Hansard