SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) will be removing Rafflesia Dental Surgery from the list of participating dental clinics in the national health subsidy programme Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas).

In a media statement on Wednesday (Aug 25), MOH said that audits on the dental clinic located at Sultan Plaza, conducted late last year, revealed severe non-compliances. 

These included several improper claims for Chas subsidies without proper supporting documentation and overclaims. 

The termination will take effect from Aug 28 and MOH has referred this case to the police for further investigation. 

“The termination from Chas means that Rafflesia Dental Surgery will no longer be allowed to make claims for Chas subsidies on behalf of its patients. Affected patients may wish to visit other nearby Chas accredited dental clinics instead,” said MOH in its statement. 

It also said that patients are encouraged to actively engage their doctors and dentists if they have any questions on their bills. 

They may check for Chas claims made on their behalf by logging onto “My Chas” on the Chas website, or by calling the Chas hotline at 1800-275-2427. 

If they do come across any suspicious or unusual claims, MOH said that they may then contact the ministry at 1800-225-4122 or send an email to MOH_QSM [at] moh.gov.sg. 

“MOH also reminds healthcare professionals to uphold a high standard of professionalism and to adhere to their Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines,” it said. 

“MOH takes a serious view of such errant practices and will not hesitate to take enforcement actions where required, including referral of the errant healthcare professionals to their respective professional boards.”