HC Deb 21 March 1956 vol 550 cc1248-50
56. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies into how many classes the patients in the hospitals in Singapore are divided for the purpose of calculating charges for treatment; what is the weekly charge for each class; and what percentage of the beds is free.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

As the Answer to this Question is rather long and includes a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Secretary of State aware that the average wage of the Malayan worker is less than 2 dollars a day and that the charges for treatment in hospital are much more than that? Will he see that something is done to provide free treatment for the workers in the hospitals in Malaya and Singapore?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I hope the hon. Member is also aware that 93.5 per cent. of all the hospital beds in Singapore are free of all charges.

Following is the Answer:

For the purpose of calculating charges for treatment in Singapore hospitals patients are divided into four classes, namely:

First Class A, First Class B, Second Class and Third Class. Patients in the Third Class pay no fees of any kind.

Ward charges per diem for patients in the first three classes are as follows:

— First Class A First Class B Second Class
£ s. d. £ s. d. s. d.
In ordinary and maternity hospitals 1 17 4 1 8 0 9 4
In mental hospitals 1 3 4 14 0 7 0

Patients in the First and Second Classes are also liable to pay specialist treatment fees per diem as follows:

First Class A and B, 11s. 8d., with minimum of £1 3s. 4d. and maximum of £5 16s. 8d.

Second Class, 2s. 4d., with minimum of 4s. 8d. and maximum of £1 3s. 4d.

In addition, these patients are liable to pay other specialist fees for operations, accouchement, X-rays, etc.

93.5 per cent. of hospital beds in Singapore are free of all charges.