I refer to the article “Govt ‘should look at cost-effectiveness of medical practices’” (June 28).

It is necessary to maintain the cost-effectiveness of medical practices by, for instance, prescribing generic drugs where available. But the priority of medical professionals should be placed on achieving the best outcomes for patients, especially those whose lives are at stake or who have terminal illnesses.

Cost-effectiveness should not be an overarching concern when deciding against a particular treatment or medication if no other options were available. Otherwise, treatments could be given based on a patient’s age, financial standing and status.

If we have the facilities, expertise and resources, treatments should be made available to subsidised patients who are Singaporeans.

While some treatments may cost more, the patient and their next-of-kin should be able to decide among themselves who should shoulder the additional costs without expecting a blank cheque from the Government.

The lower- and lower-middle-income groups in Singapore are already concerned about rising healthcare costs, hence the saying: “One can die but one cannot get sick”.

The Government has a shared responsibility to provide adequate healthcare and that is why MediShield Life is being introduced.