WHILE I applaud the move by the Competition Commission of Singapore to stop private healthcare group Parkway Holdings from acquiring outpatient diagnostic chain RadLink-Asia, amid fears that less competition will drive up prices of radiology and imaging services ("Watchdog blocks bid by Parkway to buy rival firm"; Tuesday), I don't think this is the long-term solution for Singapore.
With only two major players providing these services, and supplying radiopharmaceuticals - and no potential new ones coming onto the market over the next two or three years - there is nothing to stop them from raising their prices if they choose to.
Is the Ministry of Health taking any steps to plug the gap?
Sure, Singaporeans can opt for government hospitals and polyclinics, but the long queue there is often a deterrent factor. Threats of serious illness and delay to treatment will often force many to turn to private healthcare (albeit reluctantly).
To make matters worse, Singaporeans also have to contend with the rising number of medical tourists seeking treatment at the country's private healthcare facilities.
Has the ministry done any survey to find out how many medical tourists there are each year and how they are impacting demand and charges for medical services in Singapore?
Lawrence Law Cher Khiam
Indonesia
With only two major players providing these services, and supplying radiopharmaceuticals - and no potential new ones coming onto the market over the next two or three years - there is nothing to stop them from raising their prices if they choose to.
Is the Ministry of Health taking any steps to plug the gap?
Sure, Singaporeans can opt for government hospitals and polyclinics, but the long queue there is often a deterrent factor. Threats of serious illness and delay to treatment will often force many to turn to private healthcare (albeit reluctantly).
To make matters worse, Singaporeans also have to contend with the rising number of medical tourists seeking treatment at the country's private healthcare facilities.
Has the ministry done any survey to find out how many medical tourists there are each year and how they are impacting demand and charges for medical services in Singapore?
Lawrence Law Cher Khiam
Indonesia
