The BMDP introduced patient subsidy schemes in 2016 to provide sustainable financial support for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents (PR) requiring Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) stem cell / bone marrow transplants. In our continuous efforts to support more patients, we have now extended our subsidy schemes to provide financial assistance to local patients requiring Related Donor 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.
This scheme has since covered new and relapsed patients. Needy patients in Ward Classes B2 and C may be eligible for up to 2 additional VT subsidies.
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.
The HPC Procurement Subsidy Scheme comprises of 3 tiers:
New and relapsed patients, including non-citizen spouse or children of Singaporean/PR, who require MUD transplants 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. The scheme will cover up to S$50,000 of the hospital bill per patient.
This subsidy is now extended to the following group:
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.
This subsidy is now extended to the following group:
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 12 October 2023
