http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/private-ambulance-ok-charge-extra-20150106
AT 9.15am on Dec 21 last year, I contacted the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to request an ambulance to take my wife there, as she had a relapse of schizophrenia.
I was directed to call 1777 for a non-emergency private ambulance. Over the phone, I was quoted a fee of $450 and was told this was the final price and had to be paid in cash.
Though I was surprised at the hefty charge, I accepted it as the situation was very tense at home. I then made my way separately to IMH to make arrangements for my wife's admission.
The ambulance, operated by Abella Agency, arrived at 9.55am. At 11am, my daughter informed me that the officers demanded another $100 as they were taking a long time to persuade my wife to get into the ambulance. I then tried to call 1777 to verify if this was the protocol.
At 11.10am, my daughter informed me that my wife had finally boarded the ambulance. The officer insisted that my daughter pay $550, and she relented out of anxiety.
Is it an acceptable practice for the agency to charge me an extra $100, when the agreed "final price" was $450?
I checked the Singapore Civil Defence Force website and found that Abella's charges for psychiatric cases are between $80 and $100.
So why was I charged $550? Even though the website said the prices listed were meant as a guide, the disparity is too big.
Also, is it the norm for ambulance staff to collect money before they agree to carry out a job? Is this acceptable for a medical service?
I hope the authorities can shed some light on these issues.
Tan Buck Yam
AT 9.15am on Dec 21 last year, I contacted the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to request an ambulance to take my wife there, as she had a relapse of schizophrenia.
I was directed to call 1777 for a non-emergency private ambulance. Over the phone, I was quoted a fee of $450 and was told this was the final price and had to be paid in cash.
Though I was surprised at the hefty charge, I accepted it as the situation was very tense at home. I then made my way separately to IMH to make arrangements for my wife's admission.
The ambulance, operated by Abella Agency, arrived at 9.55am. At 11am, my daughter informed me that the officers demanded another $100 as they were taking a long time to persuade my wife to get into the ambulance. I then tried to call 1777 to verify if this was the protocol.
At 11.10am, my daughter informed me that my wife had finally boarded the ambulance. The officer insisted that my daughter pay $550, and she relented out of anxiety.
Is it an acceptable practice for the agency to charge me an extra $100, when the agreed "final price" was $450?
I checked the Singapore Civil Defence Force website and found that Abella's charges for psychiatric cases are between $80 and $100.
So why was I charged $550? Even though the website said the prices listed were meant as a guide, the disparity is too big.
Also, is it the norm for ambulance staff to collect money before they agree to carry out a job? Is this acceptable for a medical service?
I hope the authorities can shed some light on these issues.
Tan Buck Yam
