Further to my article “Are public hospitals charged for land like HDB flats?” (Feb 24) – I went to the National Library to seek the help of our ever friendly and helpful librarian, to find the latest information about the National Healthcare Group (NHG) and Singhealth Group (SHG).
$10m surplus?
According to the 2012/13 NHG Corporate Yearbook and Singhealth Annual Report 2012 – their combined total surplus (revenue minus expenditure) for the last financial year was $10 million.
$198m depreciation and amortization?
Their combined total depreciation and amortization was $198 million.
How much were the land costs?
How much of this may be land costs charged to hospitals? (A tip from my healthcare insider)
This makes a combined total surplus and depreciation and amortization of $208 million.
Public hospitals make surpluses?
If we do not charge public hospitals high prices for land, and if we operate on a “no surplus” or “no surplus with higher Government funding” basis – would our healthcare costs be lower?
Are there any countries in the world that operate public hospitals with annual surpluses, or are charged high prices for land?
Healthcare is affordable?
Looking at the above – is it any wonder that some Singaporeans actually decided to die and not seek medical treatment, because of their concerns about their healthcare costs! (“Alternative news in 1 day? (part 67) – Preferred to die because couldn’t afford healthcare?”, Feb 24).
Leong Sze Hian
*Leong is the Past President of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, an alumnus of Harvard University, has authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been host of a money radio show, a daily newspaper column, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for Malaysiakini, executive producer of the movie Ilo Ilo (24 international awards). He has served as Honorary Consul of Jamaica and founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of Brunei and Indonesia. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors and 13 professional qualifications.