GST absorbed for subsidised renal patients
01 Oct 2013Mr Tay Yeow Beng (“Waive GST on dialysis”, 14 Sep) suggested that Government waive GST on dialysis treatment for renal patients.
Our broad-based GST system with minimal exemptions allows the GST rate to be kept relatively low, while subsidies and grants are targeted at helping the lower income group.
In healthcare, the Government provides subsidies to Singaporeans who are less well-off. We also absorb the GST for all subsidised patients, whether in polyclinics, public hospitals or the intermediate and long-term care sector. Subsidised patients undergoing dialysis at Government-funded dialysis centres are therefore not required to pay GST.
Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Finance
Bey Mui Leng (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health