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Singapore Medical Association Withdraws Guideline on Fees 
Posted on Monday, April 02, 2007 - 07:00 PM

The Singapore Medical Association ("SMA") has decided to withdraw its guidelines on fees as of 1 April 2007. In a letter to its members dated 1 April 2007, the SMA said it had been advised by its legal advisors that its Guideline on Fees contravened the Competition Act.

Notwithstanding the withdrawal of its GOF, the SMA reminded its members of paragraph 7.9 of Chapter 7 from "Guidelines under The Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act and Regulations", which states: "The medical practitioner shall make available to the patient, prior to the consultation, information on charges which are likely to be incurred for consultation, investigation and treatment."

The SMA also urge members not to vary pricing practices drastically in the short term, so as not to possibly lead to unnecessary increases in healthcare costs.