The Bone Marrow Donor Programme (BMDP) remains committed to doing more for patients with blood diseases. With the continued generosity and financial support of the public, BMDP has been able to introduce and sustain various Patient Subsidy Schemes to help ease the cost of transplantation. These schemes are regularly reviewed in close consultation with our partnered hospitals to ensure they remain relevant and responsive to patients’ needs.
Following our latest review, we are pleased to share updates that will take effect in 2026. The most significant change is that BMDP donor verification typing (VT) and procurement costs will be fully subsidised for patients in subsidised ward classes. This enhancement reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen financial support for patients and their families, and to improve access to life-saving stem cell transplants.
SCHEME 1: VERIFICATION TYPING SUBSIDY
The Verification Typing (VT) subsidy was introduced in 2016 to offset the costs needed to carry out a second typing of an identified donor’s genetic markers.
Once a potential donor with similar genetic markers or Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) as the patient is identified in the database, a VT is initiated to confirm the donor’s HLA typing. This is to ensure that this donor is indeed a suitable match to the patient. At this stage, a patient’s doctor may also request for VT to be performed on more than one donor to select the best option for the patient.
Patients admitted in Ward Classes B1, B2 and C will receive full subsidy for BMDP donor VT costs. The subsidy rates for International donor VT costs remain unchanged. In addition, needy patients in Ward Classes B2 and C may be considered for full funding of up to two additional VTs, subject to the Medical Social Worker’s (MSW) recommendation and BMDP’s approval.
Please refer to the table here for an overview of the revised Scheme 1.
SCHEME 2: HEMATOPOIETIC PROGENITOR CELL PROCUREMENT SUBSIDY
The Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell (HPC) Procurement Subsidy was introduced in 2019 to support the costs involved in procuring blood stem cells (also known as HPC product) or bone marrow. Such costs vary depending on the country of origin of the donor to cover donor medical fees and logistics.
Patients admitted in Ward Classes B1, B2 and C will receive full subsidy for BMDP donor procurement costs. The tiered subsidies for international donor procurement remain unchanged. We are pleased to announce that these tiered subsidies have been extended to patients undergoing Related transplants, specifically for the donor bills.
For international and related donor procurement, the HPC Procurement Subsidy Scheme comprises of 3 tiers:
New and relapsed patients who are Singaporean and PR, including non-citizen spouse and child of Singaporean/PR are eligible for this scheme.
Please refer to the table here for an overview of the revised Scheme 2.
SCHEME 3: TRANSPLANT-RELATED COST SUBSIDY
The Transplant-Related Cost Subsidy supports the treatment costs. This financial support hopes to alleviate the patients’ hospital expenses related to the transplant. Singaporean and PR patients may be funded for their transplant-related cost (e.g. ward charges, transplant procedures, medications, etc.) at public hospitals.
BMDP will provide the funds to cover the transplant-related costs of up to $50,000 of the final hospital bill size (after government subsidies, e.g. MediSave, MediShield deduction, other funding, etc.) for needy patients in Ward Classes B2 and C.
Please refer to the table here for an overview of the revised Scheme 3.
SCHEME 4: POST-TRANSPLANT ALLOWANCES
The Post-Transplant Allowances help to alleviate the post-transplant expenses. Singaporean and Permanent Resident patients will be given S$500 per month allowance for up to 12 months to support their expenditures after transplant.
The provision of allowance is introduced in view of the patients’ long recovery process and medical follow-ups following their transplant. For the first few months, patients may be required to have up to three follow-up appointments per week with the medical team to monitor their condition. On average, the journey to recovery before a patient can be integrated back into the workforce may take up to 12 months. The allowance will cease when the patient commences employment or if the patient passes on.
Please refer to the table here for an overview of the revised Scheme 4.
BMDP is pleased to announce the release of our updated Patient Subsidy Leaflet, designed to provide clear and comprehensive information for the public. The revised subsidy schemes outline our commitment to supporting patients and ensuring accessibility to our services. With user-friendly content and transparent details, the leaflet aims to guide individuals through the subsidy process, fostering a better understanding of the assistance available. At BMDP, we believe in empowering patients, and this leaflet is a testament to our dedication to transparency and patient-centric care. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at patient@bmdp.org.
Updated on 24 February 2026
