Latest news with #Orchard
CNA
2 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Medical body president concerned over Great Eastern pausing pre-authorisation for Mount Elizabeth admissions
SINGAPORE: Great Eastern's suspension of pre-authorisation certificates for policyholders admitted to Mount Elizabeth hospitals could disrupt 'continuity of care' for patients, the president of the Singapore Medical Association (SMA) said. Dr Ng Chee Kwan told CNA that the insurer's move limits its policyholders' choice of doctors and discourages them from using the two hospitals. Other doctors with clinics in the two affected hospitals also voiced concerns about Great Eastern's decision. Last Tuesday (Jun 17), the insurer halted pre-authorisation certificates for admissions to Mount Elizabeth hospitals in Orchard and Novena, citing 'efforts to manage rising healthcare costs and ensure long-term affordability for all policyholders'. According to Great Eastern, it had observed certain private hospitals charging 'significantly more for similar treatment' over the past few years. Pre-authorisation refers to an insurer's approval of coverage for medical costs before treatment. It minimises the upfront cash deposit needed for certain costs, such as hospitalisation and surgical expenses, doctors' fees, tests conducted in hospital and certain outpatient treatments. These pre-approved bills are settled directly by the insurer with the hospital. Without pre-authorisation, patients have to pay for their treatments first, before filing their claims for assessment. Dr Ng, who is on Great Eastern's specialists panel and whose clinic is at Mount Elizabeth Novena, said: 'Because integrated shield plans are not portable, many policyholders may not be able to change insurers even if they are unhappy.' According to him, the insurer 'entered into partnerships with some hospitals' this year. 'Although I can admit patients to (Great Eastern's) preferred hospitals, for major cases it is not so ideal,' he said. He added that one of the insurer's preferred facilities does not have the necessary equipment for some of the major surgeries he performs. Dr Tan Yung Khan, a urologist who has clinics in both Mount Elizabeth hospitals and Mount Alvernia Hospital, said the insurer's move meant less certainty for patients as to whether their claims would go through. 'The lack of certainty will weigh on patients' minds and discourage them from certain hospitals,' he added. Dr Tan, who is also on Great Eastern's specialist panel, pointed out that private doctors are often accredited in different facilities and can operate in them. 'For example, I can see a patient in Mount Elizabeth Novena, and I often do, and I end up doing cases in (Mount) Alvernia, or even certain day surgery centres,' he added. However, he noted that certain factors would make doctors keen to use the same location. The benefits of using their usual facility are that the doctors and staff know each other's usual practices, and this may lead to 'more efficiency and possibly fewer errors', he said. 'If let's say you're doing a major surgery, you would rather be in a location that has facilities, in a sense, that you trust,' he added. 'Oftentimes, if you practise somewhere before, you have the confidence that they can support you.' COMPLICATES DECISIONS FOR PATIENTS Dr Peter Ang, an oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre, said he 'felt dismayed' after hearing about Great Eastern's decision. 'It does complicate the decisions our cancer patients need to make for their health care,' he said. 'On top of medical decisions when patients are unwell, they need to navigate the financial aspects, which they often have difficulty finding answers to.' Dr Ang is also on Great Eastern's specialist panel, but said last Friday that he had not had any patients who were Great Eastern policyholders since the announcement. When asked about how the move could affect his clinic, he said some of their patients might need to be admitted to various hospital locations for tests, investigations or treatment. 'So that would mean some logistical arrangement among our group of doctors,' he said. OncoCare Cancer Centre has clinics at the two affected hospitals, as well as Mount Alvernia and Gleneagles. Dr Tan said the move had no impact on his clinic for now, likely because they did not have any Great Eastern policyholders scheduled for surgery at the two hospitals at the moment. 'But, of course, moving down the road, things may be different because of the uncertainty,' he said. 'Patients may rather choose somewhere where they have more certainty on their claims … fees have gone up quite a lot, and if there's no certainty, there's a risk that there is no payment,' he said. While he was 'a bit shocked' at Great Eastern's move, Dr Tan said he could understand the decision as healthcare costs have been rising. 'I think if we can control overall costs in some way, I think it's a good thing because everyone benefits out of the whole system,' he said. 'I buy insurance, too. I don't want my premiums to keep rising either.' GREAT EASTERN RESPONDS In response to CNA's queries, Great Eastern said on Thursday that the suspension does not impact its policyholders' coverage or benefits. 'Customers can still choose to visit these two hospitals,' it said. For planned procedures or surgeries, the affected hospitals can issue an electronic letter of guarantee, which will be used to request a waiver of deposit on admission, added the insurer. A letter of guarantee reduces or waives the upfront cash deposit required for treatment and provides assurance of payment to hospitals for part of the bill. It is different from a pre-authorisation certificate. Great Eastern said customers can continue to file claims to be assessed, and that all eligible and covered claims would be paid. The insurer still issues pre-authorised certificates for treatments at other private hospitals, such as Mount Alvernia, Farrer Park, Gleneagles and Raffles. The insurer's medical care concierge will provide customers with 'various options' for treatment, including suggesting private and public hospitals where they can seek treatment. REMOVAL OF PANEL SPECIALISTS Dr Ng noted that Great Eastern removed more specialists from its panel in 2024 than any other insurer. In response to CNA's question about the drop in its panel specialists, Great Eastern said it does an annual review of its panel to ensure that doctors provide quality service to its patients and 'offer reasonable fees aligned to MOH (Ministry of Health) guidelines'. According to data from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Great Eastern and AIA were the only insurers that saw net decreases in the number of specialists on their panels last year. While AIA saw its panel shrink by 13 specialists, the drop in Great Eastern's specialists was four times this, at 52. This meant the number of specialists on Great Eastern's panel fell by about 15 per cent. Despite this, Great Eastern still had the third highest number of panel specialists, with 779. Dr Ng said the partnerships Great Eastern entered into with some hospitals this year could explain why he had not seen any of the insurer's policyholders in a while. 'I hope that Great Eastern and the affected hospitals will come to an agreement soon and restore the pre-authorisation arrangement,' he added.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
URA Draft Master Plan 2025 will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts; NParks investigating alleged animal abuse case of cat stuffed in container: Singapore live news
The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Authorities are investigating a suspected case of animal abuse at a workers' canteen in Tuas, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around. In a statement on 26 June, the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed it is looking into the incident. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a Facebook post that the case was brought to their attention by an informant, who is the colleague of the alleged abuser. According to the SPCA, the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container, and rolled around repeatedly. The incident occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on 26 March, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. The latest draft masterplan, Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years, sees a major shift in how residents live, work, and play. Analysts say the plan has a stronger focus on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population, and addresses the challenges of climate change. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, told The Straits Times (ST) that the plan enhances quality of life for Singaporeans by providing more homes with access to sea, river, and park views, as well as more parks and amenities. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. A key feature of the blueprint is its push to decentralise workplaces and ease pressure on transport systems by building business hubs and homes closer together. Areas like the one-north precinct, already buzzing with over 50,000 knowledge workers, could see thousands of new homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis. For more on the expert analysis on the URA Draft Master Plan 2025, read here. Authorities are investigating a suspected case of animal abuse at a workers' canteen in Tuas, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around. In a statement on 26 June, the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed it is looking into the incident. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a Facebook post that the case was brought to their attention by an informant, who is the colleague of the alleged abuser. According to the SPCA, the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container, and rolled around repeatedly. The incident occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on 26 March, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. SPCA inspectors conducted an unannounced site inspection on 1 April and were told that the kitten had been released since it was a community animal. The worker involved had received a stern warning, but the on-site manager refused to share CCTV footage or assist further with the investigation. For more on the alleged cat abuse, read here. The cannabis industry in Thailand is now facing a major shake-up as the government moves to recriminalise recreational use just three years after removing cannabis from its narcotics list in 2022. This move follows the withdrawal of the pro-legalisation Bhumjaithai Party from the ruling coalition due to the leaked phone call from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Health Ministry on Tuesday (24 June) issued an order banning recreational sales and requiring a doctor's prescription for all retail purchases. The rule, which is set to take effect once published in the Royal Gazette, could happen within days. When it kicks in, the future of the billion-dollar industry will be uncertain. The sudden policy reversal has stunned those in the business. A dispensary employee in Bangkok said, "I feel a bit shocked because this is my main source of income. It's affecting me a little, actually, not just a little, it's really hitting me. And it will probably affect many shops; many shops are probably just as shocked because a lot of them invested heavily." For more on Thailand's push to recriminalise cannabis, read here. Singaporeans are being urged to defer non-essential travel to areas in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim issued the advisory on 25 June at Changi Airport, explaining that the authorities are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region. His remarks followed recent disruptions to flight routes, including the cancellation of a Scoot flight from Jeddah on 23 June that left 43 returning haj pilgrims stranded. The group was eventually booked on an alternative flight via Malaysia Airlines and arrived safely back in Singapore on 25 June. He confirmed that all Singaporean haj pilgrims who performed the pilgrimage this year have safely returned home. Associate Professor Faishal, who was at the airport to welcome the final batch of returning haj pilgrims, also shared that Singaporean students studying in the Middle East, including Islamic universities in Jordan and Egypt, were stranded after booking their flights home. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has since reached out and facilitated their return. For more on the travel advisory to the Middle East, read here. Thailand has approved a 1.75 billion baht (S$68.73 million) budget for the "Half-Half Thailand Travel" campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the low season from June to September. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Tuesday (24 June), the initiative is part of a larger 115 billion baht stimulus package endorsed on the same day. The campaign is expected to generate approximately 35 billion baht in tourism revenue through an additional 2.67 million additional domestic trips, and create an estimated 40,000 jobs between July and October. The campaign will offer 500,000 subsidised room nights, with each participant eligible to book up to five nights – at least two of which must be in secondary cities. In addition to subsidised accommodation, travellers will receive a 500 baht cash coupon per booking, redeemable at participating restaurants and tourist attractions after their check-in. This is intended to encourage spending in local economies and promote less-visited destinations. According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative should attract at least 100,000 Thai participants. For more on Thailand's 'Half-Half' travel campaign, read here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. The latest draft masterplan, Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years, sees a major shift in how residents live, work, and play. Analysts say the plan has a stronger focus on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population, and addresses the challenges of climate change. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, told The Straits Times (ST) that the plan enhances quality of life for Singaporeans by providing more homes with access to sea, river, and park views, as well as more parks and amenities. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. A key feature of the blueprint is its push to decentralise workplaces and ease pressure on transport systems by building business hubs and homes closer together. Areas like the one-north precinct, already buzzing with over 50,000 knowledge workers, could see thousands of new homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis. For more on the expert analysis on the URA Draft Master Plan 2025, read here. Authorities are investigating a suspected case of animal abuse at a workers' canteen in Tuas, where a kitten was allegedly placed in a plastic container and rolled around. In a statement on 26 June, the National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed it is looking into the incident. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said in a Facebook post that the case was brought to their attention by an informant, who is the colleague of the alleged abuser. According to the SPCA, the kitten had been placed inside a plastic container, and rolled around repeatedly. The incident occurred at a workers' canteen at Tech Park Crescent in Tuas on 26 March, between 9.45pm and 10.30pm. SPCA inspectors conducted an unannounced site inspection on 1 April and were told that the kitten had been released since it was a community animal. The worker involved had received a stern warning, but the on-site manager refused to share CCTV footage or assist further with the investigation. For more on the alleged cat abuse, read here. The cannabis industry in Thailand is now facing a major shake-up as the government moves to recriminalise recreational use just three years after removing cannabis from its narcotics list in 2022. This move follows the withdrawal of the pro-legalisation Bhumjaithai Party from the ruling coalition due to the leaked phone call from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Health Ministry on Tuesday (24 June) issued an order banning recreational sales and requiring a doctor's prescription for all retail purchases. The rule, which is set to take effect once published in the Royal Gazette, could happen within days. When it kicks in, the future of the billion-dollar industry will be uncertain. The sudden policy reversal has stunned those in the business. A dispensary employee in Bangkok said, "I feel a bit shocked because this is my main source of income. It's affecting me a little, actually, not just a little, it's really hitting me. And it will probably affect many shops; many shops are probably just as shocked because a lot of them invested heavily." For more on Thailand's push to recriminalise cannabis, read here. Singaporeans are being urged to defer non-essential travel to areas in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim issued the advisory on 25 June at Changi Airport, explaining that the authorities are concerned over the escalating tensions in the region. His remarks followed recent disruptions to flight routes, including the cancellation of a Scoot flight from Jeddah on 23 June that left 43 returning haj pilgrims stranded. The group was eventually booked on an alternative flight via Malaysia Airlines and arrived safely back in Singapore on 25 June. He confirmed that all Singaporean haj pilgrims who performed the pilgrimage this year have safely returned home. Associate Professor Faishal, who was at the airport to welcome the final batch of returning haj pilgrims, also shared that Singaporean students studying in the Middle East, including Islamic universities in Jordan and Egypt, were stranded after booking their flights home. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has since reached out and facilitated their return. For more on the travel advisory to the Middle East, read here. Thailand has approved a 1.75 billion baht (S$68.73 million) budget for the "Half-Half Thailand Travel" campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the low season from June to September. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Tuesday (24 June), the initiative is part of a larger 115 billion baht stimulus package endorsed on the same day. The campaign is expected to generate approximately 35 billion baht in tourism revenue through an additional 2.67 million additional domestic trips, and create an estimated 40,000 jobs between July and October. The campaign will offer 500,000 subsidised room nights, with each participant eligible to book up to five nights – at least two of which must be in secondary cities. In addition to subsidised accommodation, travellers will receive a 500 baht cash coupon per booking, redeemable at participating restaurants and tourist attractions after their check-in. This is intended to encourage spending in local economies and promote less-visited destinations. According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative should attract at least 100,000 Thai participants. For more on Thailand's 'Half-Half' travel campaign, read here.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
URA Draft Master Plan 2025 will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts; Thailand approves $68.7m for 'half-half' travel campaign: Singapore live news
The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Thailand has approved a 1.75 billion baht (S$68.73 million) budget for the "Half-Half Thailand Travel" campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the low season from June to September. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Tuesday (24 June), the initiative is part of a larger 115 billion baht stimulus package endorsed on the same day. The campaign is expected to generate approximately 35 billion baht in tourism revenue through an additional 2.67 million additional domestic trips, and create an estimated 40,000 jobs between July and October. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Thailand has approved a 1.75 billion baht (S$68.73 million) budget for the "Half-Half Thailand Travel" campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the low season from June to September. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Tuesday (24 June), the initiative is part of a larger 115 billion baht stimulus package endorsed on the same day. The campaign is expected to generate approximately 35 billion baht in tourism revenue through an additional 2.67 million additional domestic trips, and create an estimated 40,000 jobs between July and October. The campaign will offer 500,000 subsidised room nights, with each participant eligible to book up to five nights – at least two of which must be in secondary cities. In addition to subsidised accommodation, travellers will receive a 500 baht cash coupon per booking, redeemable at participating restaurants and tourist attractions after their check-in. This is intended to encourage spending in local economies and promote less-visited destinations. According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative should attract at least 100,000 Thai participants. For more on Thailand's 'Half-Half' travel campaign, read here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. The latest draft masterplan, Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years, sees a major shift in how residents live, work, and play. Analysts say the plan has a stronger focus on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population, and addresses the challenges of climate change. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, told The Straits Times (ST) that the plan enhances quality of life for Singaporeans by providing more homes with access to sea, river, and park views, as well as more parks and amenities. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. A key feature of the blueprint is its push to decentralise workplaces and ease pressure on transport systems by building business hubs and homes closer together. Areas like the one-north precinct, already buzzing with over 50,000 knowledge workers, could see thousands of new homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis. For more on the expert analysis on the URA Draft Master Plan 2025, read here. Thailand has approved a 1.75 billion baht (S$68.73 million) budget for the "Half-Half Thailand Travel" campaign, aimed at stimulating domestic tourism during the low season from June to September. Announced by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong on Tuesday (24 June), the initiative is part of a larger 115 billion baht stimulus package endorsed on the same day. The campaign is expected to generate approximately 35 billion baht in tourism revenue through an additional 2.67 million additional domestic trips, and create an estimated 40,000 jobs between July and October. The campaign will offer 500,000 subsidised room nights, with each participant eligible to book up to five nights – at least two of which must be in secondary cities. In addition to subsidised accommodation, travellers will receive a 500 baht cash coupon per booking, redeemable at participating restaurants and tourist attractions after their check-in. This is intended to encourage spending in local economies and promote less-visited destinations. According to Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative should attract at least 100,000 Thai participants. For more on Thailand's 'Half-Half' travel campaign, read here. The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 will allow greater flexibility for residents in choosing their ideal home as amenities (and in some cases, workplaces) will be located closer to homes, said analysts. The latest draft masterplan, Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years, sees a major shift in how residents live, work, and play. Analysts say the plan has a stronger focus on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population, and addresses the challenges of climate change. More green spaces, preserved heritage buildings, and access to waterfront and park views are being built into upcoming estates, with over 80,000 homes planned across more than 10 areas including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Orchard. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, told The Straits Times (ST) that the plan enhances quality of life for Singaporeans by providing more homes with access to sea, river, and park views, as well as more parks and amenities. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. A key feature of the blueprint is its push to decentralise workplaces and ease pressure on transport systems by building business hubs and homes closer together. Areas like the one-north precinct, already buzzing with over 50,000 knowledge workers, could see thousands of new homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis. For more on the expert analysis on the URA Draft Master Plan 2025, read here.
CNA
18-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Great Eastern stops issuing pre-authorisation certificates for admission to Mount Elizabeth hospitals
SINGAPORE: Insurer Great Eastern from Tuesday (Jun 17) stopped issuing pre-authorisation certificates for policyholders admitted to Mount Elizabeth hospitals in Novena and Orchard. According to a notice on its Health Connect website, it said such certificates will still be available for other hospitals and day surgery centres. Pre-authorisation refers to the insurer's approval of coverage for medical costs before treatment. In response to CNA's queries, a spokesperson for Great Eastern said: "We have observed that, over the past few years, certain private hospitals have been charging significantly more for similar treatment." The move is part of the company's "ongoing efforts to manage rising healthcare costs and ensure long-term affordability for all policyholders". "We want to assure our policyholders that there is no change to their coverage, and they can still receive treatment and submit claims as usual with no impact to their benefits," the spokesperson added. For example, both hospitals can still issue electronic letters of guarantees or file claims to Great Eastern, where the claims will be assessed according to the terms and conditions of their policy. All eligible and covered claims will be paid, said the spokesperson. Letters of guarantees can be requested when patients are unable to settle the pre-admission deposit for day surgery and inpatient hospital treatments. It can be used to waive the deposit for up to S$50,000 (US$38,900) in private hospitals. Any pre-authorisation certificates issued before Jun 17 will be honoured, added the spokesperson. HEALTHCARE GROUP "SURPRISED" The two Mount Elizabeth hospitals are part of IHH Healthcare Singapore, the largest private healthcare provider in the country. Gleneagles Hospital and Parkway East Hospitals, also owned by the group, are not affected by the cessation of pre-authorisation certifications. The suspension 'surprised' IHH Healthcare Singapore, which has been in active discussion with Great Eastern over the past few months, the group's chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Mount Elizabeth Hospital Mr Yong Yih Ming told CNA on Wednesday. Mr Yong said: 'We do not agree with GE's claim about higher prices at two of our hospitals for similar procedures and case profiles. "Each of our hospitals has different focus and areas of excellence - Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital house facilities and equipment that allow specialists to manage patients and perform surgeries that are not available at other hospitals.' This is also why some of the more complex cases are managed at these two hospitals, he said. Great Eastern policyholders who are undergoing medical care by specialists at the Mount Elizabeth hospitals, or have treatment records there, will continue to have cashless access to hospital admissions. 'This ensures that these patients do not need to worry about cash outlay for their treatment,' said Mr Yong. 'We are also working closely with our specialists to avail price packages to patients, to help manage their cost of care.' In response to CNA's query on what the two hospitals would have to demonstrate for certificates to be issued again, Great Eastern said it encouraged policyholders to contact its medical care concierge for information on their "various options" for treatment. "This includes suggesting private and public hospitals where they could seek treatment, along with their respective costs and how much Great Eastern will cover for each, depending on the type of plan they hold," said the spokesperson. "This service has been specially designed to provide peace of mind, transparency, and help them make informed decisions." In response to CNA's query on whether AIA Singapore would be pausing pre-authorisation certificates to the hospitals, the company said on Wednesday that it continues to work closely with the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, the Ministry of Health and professional medical associations to manage healthcare cost inflation to ensure the continued accessibility of quality healthcare for policyholders. AIA Singapore did not state if it has a pre-authorisation arrangement with the Mount Elizabeth hospitals and if so, if it would continue with the coverage in the wake of Great Eastern's move.
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘The halfway line is my enemy' – Armagh's Ethan Rafferty frustrated at restriction on goalkeepers under new rules
ARMAGH keeper Ethan Rafferty sees the halfway line as his nemesis under football's new rules. Goalies can only receive the ball in open play from a team-mate if they cross the halfway line or if they are in their own small rectangle and are given the ball from the big one. Advertisement Rafferty loves to roam upfield, even scoring a point in Armagh fired five two-pointers to gun down the Sky Blues as the hosts kicked 17 wides. But Rafferty feels keepers are missing out on all the fun parts of the FRC's new rules. The Orchard No 1 said: 'I just wish I could get up more in the game. The halfway line is a bit of an enemy for me at the minute. Some people are happy about it but that's just the rules.' Advertisement Read More On GAA Dublin were 0-6 to 0-3 up after the opening quarter two weeks ago, but Armagh came roaring back, kicking three two-pointers to take a 0-13 to 0-9 half-time lead. Rian O'Neill and Rory Grugan nailed a combined five two-pointers in all against Dessie Farrell's men. Rafferty explained: 'We had a wee bit of a gust in the first half against Dublin, so Rian nailed the first two-pointer. If you get the first one you sort of settle into it. 'We went from maybe three points down and kicked two or three in a row and were a couple of points ahead, but if Dublin kicked a couple of them in the second half, which they're well capable of doing, the game is different.' Advertisement Most read in GAA Football That victory sealed top spot in Group 4 for the All-Ireland holders and a quarter-final berth. It means they could rest easy ahead of tonight's clash with Galway — a repeat of last year's Sam Maguire decider. GAA fans 'loved seeing and hearing' the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh as he features in RTE documentary Hell for Leather Pádraic Joyce's men will be out of the Championship if they lose and Derry pull off a result against Dublin in Newry. Rafferty knows Galway will be eyeing revenge but, having lost the Ulster final to Donegal, Armagh want to keep up this winning run in their quest to retain Sam. Advertisement He said: 'We still have a massive game against Galway. "I'm sure they would have been seeing us in the group after we beat them in the final last year, so we know it will be a tough match and perfect preparation going into a quarter-final. 1 He's among the best ball-playing goalkeepers in the country 'We're 2024 All-Ireland champions but we're playing the 2025 Championship, so it's in the rear-view mirror. Advertisement 'We have to look forward and that's just been our thing this year, trying to see where we can improve and get better. 'You will get bumps on the road obviously, like the Ulster final, but we'll take this challenge against Galway and go head first into it. 'It's a good challenge for us in our mindset knowing that the game doesn't matter for us. 'We still have to try and get two points. That's the challenge.' Advertisement
