Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
The Price Of Good Health
The Straits Times
|April 10, 2025
Healthcare that is affordable, accessible and high quality comes at a price. Salma Khalik finds out how Singapore is striking the right balance.
Spending on healthcare in Singapore could soon become the single biggest item in the Government's coffers, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, as he assured Singaporeans that their basic healthcare needs will continue to be affordable.
In 2025, the Government has set aside $20.9 billion for health, second only to spending on defence, which has a budget of $23.4 billion.
Citing the trajectory of government healthcare expenditure, which had gone up from $9 billion in 2015, the year he joined politics, to $18 billion in 2024, Mr Ong predicted that by 2030, it would likely be close to $30 billion a year.
A lot of the money will go towards building more facilities, including new hospitals, nursing homes and community care centres, and for manpower costs.
But a substantial portion will be spent on subsidies to keep costs down for patients.
This story is from the April 10, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Abuse Young children in dysfunctional families face high risks
The physical and mental abuse Megan Khung suffered has left Singaporeans reeling over how this could have happened here.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Doctors Dishonesty a serious matter to SMC and courts
The commentary “Are doctors in Singapore being disciplined fairly?
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Better tracking needed to measure hearing loss
Hearing loss is a lot more than an ear issue, and is linked to cognitive decline, loneliness, increased fall risk, malnutrition, and even diabetes (Sumiko at 61: Hearing loss is linked to dementia risk.
1 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
'Yacht expert' among 3 S'poreans named as co-conspirators of Cambodian tycoon in US probe
Three Singaporeans allegedly implicated in a major probe by the United States and Britain targeting cybercrime include a self-styled yacht expert.
2 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
FROM HEARTBREAK TO CONQUERING THE HARD COURTS
In this series, The Straits Times highlights the players or teams to watch in the world of sport.
5 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S'pore firm sanctioned by US was involved in HDB projects
Khoon Group under scrutiny over links to China-born tycoon in cybercrime probe
6 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Rape Father sentenced to 24 years’ jail
A 54-year-old man, who was goaded by his lover to commit sexual acts on his daughter, was sentenced to 24 years’ jail on Oct 27.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Art appreciation Louvre museum heist a wake-up call
I've seen photos of the Louvre in textbooks and read about the Mona Lisa and the endless halls lined with art.
1 min
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
S’pore eyes renewable fuel, nuclear tie-ups in drive for diverse energy mix: Tan See Leng
Singapore must be ready to support all promising pathways, from established technologies to novel options, in its bid to transition its fossil fuel-based energy sector to one that is clean yet affordable, said Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng on Oct 27.
4 mins
October 28, 2025
The Straits Times
Japan's new leader faces an early test: Winning over Trump
Ms Sanae Takaichi, who last week became the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, has never met US President Donald Trump.
3 mins
October 28, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size