Mr Avin Look told Mr Lee that his retired parents, who need regular follow-ups at polyclinics and specialist centres, say they pay a lot for non-standard prescribed medications because there are no generic ones in the market.
He wanted the Pioneer Generation benefits to be extended to such medicines as well, especially for the elderly.
Mr Lee replied that there are a lot of non-standard medicines like vitamin pills. "So we have to be careful. But if the doctor thinks the non-standard item is essential, and your parents can't afford it, we have a scheme to subsidise them. Where do your parents live? Perhaps I can ask their MP to help them?"
sometime doctors prescribed medicine without knowing the cost of each medicine. Mr Avin(simi lanjeow name is this?) can ask doctors for generic one. I don't believe there no generic type, if really don't have, bring parents to Johor, medicine there cheaper. I understand his problem as my mom also on long term medication. initially one of her med cost $8 a pop, that $240 a month just on one medicine and there another 7 type to buy. found out it non-std medicine so next appointment tolong the specialist to find a cheaper generic type. take for 2 weeks then return to run test to see the new medicine is up to scratch, sibeh heng to cheaper medicine hold up.
pinkie himself never had to pay any $$ for anything in his whole life, even his cancer treatment must be taxpayers pick up the tab.