Why do polyclinics charge more than a hospital for flu jabs?
With the recent flu outbreak here, my family and I decided to go for vaccinations last week.
With the recent flu outbreak here, my family and I decided to go for vaccinations last week. My wife and I went to Jurong Polyclinic for our jabs on Jan 8 while my six-year-old son had his at Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic on Jan 10.
The flu jabs at both polyclinics cost S$32.00 each, after government subsidies.
As my four-year-old daughter had a prior appointment at the National University Hospital’s Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute (NUHkids) on Jan 10, she got her flu jab there. To my surprise, her jab cost S$23.48, after government subsidy.
As all three institutions are under the National University Health System (NUHS) cluster, we are puzzled why there is a price disparity.
It is also ironic that the polyclinics, as primary healthcare providers, are charging more for the jab compared to a hospital.
We hope NUHS or the Ministry of Health could clarify why this is the case.
Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.
Related topics
health medical flu vaccinationsStay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the top features, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.
