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COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Will Be Sold At 3 Pharmacies From June 16

Key Highlights

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted interim authorization for four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits.
These self-test kits will be available from June 16 at Guardian, Watsons, and Unity pharmacies.
Sales will be initially limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

In line with Singapore’s strategy to increase the rate of testing and to quickly detect COVID-19 cases, self-administered test kits will go on sale from June 16. These self-test kits will be helpful for front-liners who want to test themselves frequently or for individuals who are concerned about being infected.

The four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits include the Abbott PanBio COVID-19 Antigen Self-test, SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal, QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, and SD Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Home Test.

These self-test kits can be used by consumers to detect active SARS-CoV-2 infection in nasal swab samples. ARTs can generally achieve a sensitivity of about 80% for cases with higher viral loads and a specificity range of 97-100%. Since these self-test kits are meant to be used by consumers (i.e., even without training), they can be bought without a physician’s prescription.

WHERE TO BUY

The self-test kits will be available at selected Guardian, Unity, and Watsons outlets islandwide. More retail locations will soon carry the self-test kits. This will be done in a progressive fashion.

A recent interview of a Dairy Farm Group spokesperson stated that the Abbott PanBioTM COVID-19 Antigen Self-test and the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test will be available at selected Guardian outlets. All 79 Guardian stores with an in-store pharmacy will carry the COVID-19 self-test kits including the Guardian store at the Giant outlet in Suntec City.

THE COST OF PURCHASE

A spokesperson for Watsons stressed that it would adhere to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) recommended guidelines for the selling price of the self-test kits. Thus, the price range is from S$10 to S$13 per self-test kit. Prices will depend on the size of the pack purchased.

To ensure that there will be “adequate supplies for all”, the Health Ministry’s Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said that sales will initially be limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

HOW IT WORKS

Start by collecting your nasal sample using the swabs provided in the self-test kits. Then, prepare the nasal sample with the extraction buffer tube provided. Once your sample is ready, you should examine the test device and read the results. Do not worry about the waiting time! The Health Ministry said that these ART self-test kits produce results in less than 20 minutes.

Please carefully read the instructions that come with these kits to get valid results. Consumers who test negative on their self-test kits should continue to adhere to the prevailing safe management measures.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

While those who test positive on their self-test kits should immediately approach a Swab and Send Home Public Health Preparedness Clinic (SASH PHPC). SASH PHPC will conduct a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. You are required to self-isolate until you get a negative PCR test result.

Sources: 1 & 2

A Physician Shares How You Can Save Money On Medications

If you visited the doctor lately and you realized that you have been spending a lot of money on prescription drugs then, you are not alone. Millions of people around the world are spending more than they should. This is why I sat down with Dr. Andre Agoncillo, an experienced Physician, to unlock a few ways to cut costs on medications.

1. SWITCH TO THE GENERIC DRUGS

New prescription drugs are expensive because they are patented. Having a patent ensures that only a certain company can manufacture that drugs within a period of time. Afterwards, other companies are free to make a generic version of it.

Generic medicines are certainly cheaper and as efficacious as the patented medicines! Why is that so? New generic medicines are examined by the Health Sciences Authority to ensure that they have the same safety and quality standards as the patented ones. They must not only be chemically equivalent but also biologically equivalent in its effects within the patient’s body.

Interestingly, Singapore General Hospital once saved about S$900,000 after switching to the generic options of Gabapentin (for nerve pain), Alendronate (for osteoporosis), and Clindamycin (an antibiotic).

2. STICK TO THE REQUIRED DOSAGE

Some people go to further lengths in saving money by splitting the tablet into two and having twice the number of supply. But, doing so will only hinder the recovery process. In fact, Dr. Andre said that you may not recover at all. This is due to the fact that the prescribed dosage us their for a reason. Furthermore, to inhibit the harmful load of organisms, the threshold of efficacy for antibiotics must be reached by taking a specific volume of medications. Thus, it is important to stick to your prescribed dosage.

3. SHOP AROUND

When prescribed with medications, carefully compare the prices from the different providers to get the best price. According to Ministry of Health guidelines, every patient must get an itemized medication bill. Use this bill as a guide while shopping.

If you want to save more, ask your physician if there is a cheaper yet equally efficient alternative especially if you are taking medications on a long-term basis.

4. BE HONEST AND OPEN TO YOUR DOCTOR

The most important step you must take is having an open and honest talk with your doctor. Tell them everything that happened prior to your illness and do not beat around the bush because they are on a mission to understand what is happening inside your body. If you are open and honest, they can easily identify all your signs and symptoms and prescribe the right medications so that you will recover faster. By recovering at a slower rate, you would have saved money on medications and other hospital bills.

Moreover, if you delayed the full disclosure, your doctor may not be able to give you the proper treatment. So, do not be afraid or worried because your Physician is bounded by the rules of confidentiality.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/agoncillo?fref=ts

For more information kindly email Dr. Andre Agoncillo at [email protected]. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

The True Cost Of Traditional Chinese Medicine In Singapore

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses several theories and practices that were developed in China back then…for over two millennia. The practices include herbal medicine, acupuncture, exercises, and massages.

In 2013, a study by Jingcheng Dong showed that there are different components in a TCM diagnosis, namely: Inspection, Auscultation-olfaction, Background, and Palpation. The inspection involves visually examining the changes in the patient’s appearance and movement. Auscultation-olfaction involves listening to sounds and smelling different odors. Background, consistent with the Western Medicine, involves checking the past medical records, family health history, and more. Lastly, palpation involves diagnosing an illness with the use of touch.

The common forms of TCM treatment available in Singapore are acupuncture and cupping. Acupuncture relieves the stress and pain while cupping stimulates blood flow and minimizes aches.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES TCM TREATMENTS COST?

The cost of your overall TCM treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the clinic you go to. For instance, Ma Kuang Healthcare Group charges S$15 for the first consultation and S$10 for the following ones. Adults aged 60 and above get to enjoy their special discounts ranging from 20-30% off. The medicines are sold separately.

On the other hand, Xu Yang Acupuncture & TCM Clinic located at Yishun Ring Road, does not charge a cent for the consultation. And, their acupuncture treatment costs S$45. Aside from this, Singapore’s first integrated TCM and healthcare centre called Chinese Medical Centre charges S$80 for a session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment.

Image Credits: Image Credits: makuang.com.sg/en

Since the cost of the treatments vary, it is important to do your research first to get the best results.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE TCM SERVICES?

1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S TCM PORTAL

You can find registered TCM practitioners at the TCM Portal – available here. Rest assured that the Health Sciences Authority regulates all the Chinese Proprietary Medicines. They must oblige with a set of criteria first before the products are sold in Singapore.

2. GROUPON

The famed online marketplace also houses affordable and discounted TCM treatments such as:

a. One Session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment for S$28 only.

From Chinese Medical Centre – available here.

b. One Session of TCM Localized Pain Management Treatment and Physician’s Consultation for S$18 only.

From Fu Yang Tang TCM Clinic – available here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FuYangTang

No matter what the expense totals to, remember to exercise discretion and caution with your purchase! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

7 Free Apps That Will Make Your Life In Singapore Better

Did you know that in 2011, CNN dubbed Singapore as the “2nd Coolest Nation in the World” because of its technology savvy nature? Most of the nation’s population is computer literate that even children aged 4 are encourage to use laptops in some learning centers. This is why it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of Apps out there that are making living in Singapore easier. Here are some of the good yet free apps available on the market now…

1. WHERETOGO.SG

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Do you find yourself lost in this fine city and short of cash? Fret not. WhereTo.sg App has a complete range of information on ATMs, AXM machines, bus stops, food centers, wet markets, supermarkets, dialysis centers, S’pore Pools outlets and so much more. This App will show you the location of the place, the estimated time, the exact distance, and the establishment’s operating hours.

2. MOH IHEALTH SG

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Wishing you can easily search for Singapore’s healthcare establishments and healthcare professionals? Wish granted! Lucky for you, Singapore Ministry of Health has compiled a list of clinics locations and its telephone numbers. An interesting feature is that you can view the live feed of the queue in the reception area.

3. SINGAPORE TRANSIT

Available on ITunes

There is a more convenient way to travel. Singapore Transit App has the SMRT rail map, taxi numbers, and bus schedules – all in one handy App.

4. ICHANGI

Available on ITunes, Google Play, and BlackBerry Webstore

Are you traveling through Changi Airport soon or maybe just picking up some of your loved ones? Then feel at ease with the IChangi App. This free app gives you real-time flight arrival and departure information so you would not miss a flight. Its push notifications feature will allow you to receive updates automatically. Information about latest promotions, shopping, dining, and terminal services are also available.

5. THE STRAIT TIMES SOSHIOK

Available on ITunes and Google Play

Shiok, in Singlish, is an expression of excellence or satisfaction. What better way to reach satisfaction than indulging in delectable dishes? The Strait Times SoShiok App is packed with reviews from Strait Times’ food critics. It has restaurant listings that are organized per dish or cuisine. The best thing about this App is its rewards system. Users can win monthly prizes or redeem goodies from their store.

6. HUNGRYGOWHERE

Available on ITunes and Google Play

HungryGoWhere App allows its users to search for island-wide or nearby by dining places arranged per cuisine, price, and distance. You can also post reviews or read articles to check the latest food trends such as the “Top 10 Japanese Restaurant”.

7. HOSAY!

Available on ITunes

Master the language of Singlish with this cool and free App. It comes with 80 unique Singaporean expressions and their meanings. Learn how to pronounce phrases such as “wah lau” or “jialat”. A review by Kitty966 even added that this really funny App has accurate pronunciations.

Image Credits: Hosay! via Itunes

Complete with insults, kopitiam, gambling, and character lingo – this App will surely brush up your Singlish skills while tickling your funny bone.

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