What Medisave Uses and Limitations

Medisave

You can use Medisave to pay your hospital bill as well as that of your immediate family, i.e. your spouse, children, parents or grandparents. If you are using your Medisave for your grandparents, they must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. During admission, you should inform the Admitting staff that you wish to use your Medisave to pay. You should also bring along your NRIC/Passport or your CPF membership card. You will need to sign a 'Consent to Release Medisave/Medishield Information' form to enable the hospital to access the information via the CPF Board system. You will also need to sign a Medisave Authorisation Form authorising the CPF Board to deduct from your Medisave Account to pay for the hospital bill. You may use your Medisave to pay for the hospital bill of non-immediate family members (ie, brother, sister, uncle, aunty, in-laws, niece and nephew), provided that the patient: Is a Singapore citizen or a Permanent resident Does not have a Medisave account Has immediate family members who do not have Medisave accounts and cannot afford to pay the hospital bill Is staying in a B2 or C class ward Is a dependant of the Medisave account holder Medisave cannot be used for the followings: Outpatient consultation fees, tests and investigations Charges for medical reports Expenditure on equipment, devices and appliances such as wheelchairs Private expenditures such as telephone calls, faxes and personal laundry Hospitalisation charges if hospitalisation is less than 8 hours, with the exception of day surgery cases Ambulance fees Rental of sleeper units There is also a withdrawal limit for the use of Medisave for selected outpatient treatment, eg. renal dialysis, ACP, chemotherapy, radiotherapy. For inpatient: The maximum Medisave withdrawal limit is $450 per day for each day of hospitalisation. The withdrawal limit for surgical procedures ranges from $150 to $5,000 depending on the types of surgical procedure. For day surgery: The withdrawal limit is $300 for hospital charges, while the withdrawal limit for surgical procedure range from $150 to $5,000. For maternity: With effect from 1 August 2004, Medisave can be used to pay for the hospitalisation charges for the delivery of the first four children. For the fifth and subsequent child, parents will need to have a combined Medisave balance of at least S$15,000 at the time of delivery to be eligible.

What can Medisave cover (for your hospital expenses)

Medisave covers the following hospital expenses:
	a. Daily ward charges b. Doctor's fees c. Surgical operations, including the use of operating theatres; and d. In-patient charges for medical treatment, investigations, medicines, rehabilitative services, medical supplies, implants and prostheses introduced during surgery. Medisave covers up to: a. $450 per day for daily hospital charges for hospital admission on or after 1 May 2007, or $400 per day for daily hospital charges for admission before 1 May 2007. This includes a maximum of $50 for doctor's daily attendance fees b. A fixed limit per table of surgical operation as detail below: Table of Surgical Procedures+ Medisave Limits Per Surgical Operation * (S$) 1A - 1C 150 - 250 2A - 2C 350 - 600 3A - 3C 800 - 1,200 4A - 4B 1,400 - 1,800 5A - 5C 2,000 - 2,400 6A - 6B 2,800 - 3,600 7A - 7C 4,000 - 5,000 + Classification indicates the complexity of the procedure. For a list of procedures, please click on the above links. * Includes surgeon, anaesthetist and facility fees c. For approved day surgeries, Up to S$300 per day for daily hospital charges and a fixed limit per table of surgical operation for surgeries done on or after 1 May 2007.  Up to S$200 per day for daily hospital charges and a fixed limit per table of surgical operation for surgeries done before 1 May 2007. d. For psychiatric treatment, Medisave can be used to cover up to $150 per day for the daily hospital charges including a maximum of $50 for the doctor's daily attendance fees, subject to a maximum of $5,000 a year for admission on or after 1 Jan 2007, or subject to a maximum of $3,500 a year for admission before 1 Jan 2007. e. For approved community hospitals, Medisave can be used to cover up to $150 per day for the daily hospital charges, including a maximum of $30 for the doctor's daily attendance fees, subject to a maximum of $3,500 a year. f. For approved convalescent hospitals, Medisave can be used to cover up to $50 a day for the daily hospital charges, including a maximum of $30 for the doctor's daily attendance fees, subject to a maximum of $3,000 a year. g. For approved hospices, Medisave can be used to cover up to $160 per day for the daily hospital charges, including a maximum of $30 for the doctor's daily attendance fees.

Electricty Tariffs - Biggest hike in 8 years

My email update to clients:

Dear Clients,

I believe most of you have read the article on TODAY (Sept 30), the article reported another increase in electricty tariffs.

Our convenient MRT and buses fees have increased recently too.

Year after year, this (hikes) will increase, what we are not sure of is the percentage% that it will increase.

The world population growth coupled with the dimishing resources will steadily bring about higher costs to everyone.

What this means is that the hikes are also compounding their interest. Ensure that your money is growing at a compound rate too

Protect your wealth, don't let it diminish in value, then grow it

The milk scare - AVA list of affected products

As of 24 September 2008, the AVA has detected melamine in an additional 5 products imported from China. Two are flavoured milk and three are confectioneries containing milk powder as an ingredient. They are :
i) Dutch Lady Banana Flavoured Milk;
ii) Dutch Lady Honeydew Flavoured Milk;
iii) Silang - House of Steamed Potato - Potato Cracker;
iv) 徐 福 记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Butter Corn Flavour; and
v) 徐 福 记 Puffed Rice Rolls - Cheese Flavour

This brings the total number of affected products to 8. The other products that were earlier found to be contaminated with melamine are:
i) Yi Li Choice Dairy Fruit Bar Yogurt Flavoured Ice Confection;
ii) Dutch Lady Strawberry Flavoured Milk; and
iii) White Rabbit Creamy Candy

Great Eastern Financial Strength in Times of Worries

Recent days have been real busy with the failing of top financial institutions in the world. Many of my clients were concerned about their policies with Great Eastern after what happened to AIG.

It was assuring to know that Great Eastern have more than enough capital and financial resources to honour all our obligations (ie claims, maturity proceeds, surrenders, and other liabilities) to policyholders at all times.

MAS requires all life insurance companies to have a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 120% for their life funds. Both Great Eastern Life and OAC have a capital adequacy ratio of over 250%.

Our life funds have insignificant exposure to sub-prime and Lehman securities. The majority of our life funds is invested in fixed income securities, including corporate and government bonds.

Essential Protector - Free coverage for your kids when you are covered

Essential Protector - Click here to download Brochure

Overview
Most of us spend much of our days indoors. The fact is that we spend more time on the road than we think. It can be commuting to and from work, picking up the kids from school, or even for leisure. This means that you are highly susceptible to traffic accidents.

Essential Protector not only helps you cushion the impact of a financial loss, it will ensure that your family continues with their lifestyle in the event of such uncertainties.

Up To 3 Times Your Capital Sum Insured for Accidental Death & Permanent Disablement
In the unfortunate event of death or permanent disablement, your loved ones may be left with no financial support especially if you are the sole bread winner. This lump sum payout will help ease hefty medical bills and take care of your family’s future finances.

If you are a passenger in a public conveyance or private motor car, or an authorized driver with a valid driving licence driving your private motor car during the accident, you will receive double# your capital sum insured.

In the event that the accident happened when you were a passenger or crew member of an aircraft or helicopter, you will receive triple your capital sum insured.

#Capital sum insured will not be doubled for motor cycling accidents.

Guaranteed Acceptance
As long as you’re between 17-65 years old and are free of mobility problems and physical disabilities, acceptance into this plan is guaranteed.

Cover Your Child For Free
Cover yourself and/or your spouse with Essential Protector and your child (below 17 years) will be granted free cover for Accidental Permanent Disablement. Best of all, this free cover is extended to not just one but for all your children.

5% Renewal Discount
Enjoy a 5% renewal discount every year regardless of your claim status from the 2nd year onwards.

Sign up now and be rewarded
Cover yourself and your whole family under Essential Protector now and enjoy added assurance with this complimentary First Aid Kit that's ideal for use at home or during travel. Gifts are limited!

**********

If you are interested, please let me know. I can mail out the hardcopy brochure to you.
Thanks.

Car Insurance Quotes

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The information below are required in order for an accurate quotation. Please state your renewal date too. Thanks :-)

PS: You can also send me your vehicle log card via email or fax.

PS2: If you are recommended by someone, please let me know too.


Personal Information
Name:
Sex:
Date of Birth:
Contact no.:
Address:
Email:
Occupation1:
Occupation2: Indoor/Outdoor
Company Name:

Vehicle Details
Vehicle Make/Model:
Parallel Import: Yes/No
Body Type: Saloon, MPV, SUV, Turbo, Coupe, High Performance
Sum Insured:
Vehicle No.:
Date of Registration:
Year of Manufacture


Personal Driver Details
License Date:
NCD (Upon renewal):
Claim Experience (past 3 years):
Existing Insurer:
Renewal Date:
Hire Purchase Company :


Thank you

Higher interests and returns for Great Eastern ChoiceSaver

Higher interest rates for your money starting from 2.8% to 4.4%

For Cash and SRS - minimum term is 5 years
For CPFIS-OA - minimum term is 6 years.

Centennial plan from Great Eastern!

New product launched by Great Eastern!!

SupremeSaver
Premium Source Cash, SRS, CPFIS-OA only
Sum Assured 110% of Single Premium
Coverage Death and Total & Permanent Disability
Term : 5 years
Capital Guarantee at Maturity 100% of Single Premium
Cash, CPF-OA, SRS

Single Premium --> Projected Maturity
$8,000 to $39,999 --> Yield 3.18% p.a.
$40,000 to $99,999 --> Yield 3.28% p.a
$100,000 & above --> Yield 3.38% p.a

This plan is only valid till end of Jun 2008. For any questions, please call me at my mobile 900-800-34

SRS - benefits and information

Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS)

The Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) is:

§ a voluntary scheme that offers attractive tax benefits.

§ SRS account can be started with from just S$100

§ Maximum contribution to SRS per year for Singaporeans is $11,475

§ Contributions to SRS are eligible for tax relief.

§ Only 50% of the withdrawals from SRS are taxable at retirement.

§ Withdrawal from SRS account can be made over a maximum of 10 years (starting from statutory retirement age) to obtain even more tax savings.

§ SRS account can be used for selected investments to obtain higher returns

§ Reduce Tax and Invest at the same time.

Example 1:

	No SRS Contribution	With SRS Contribution
Earned Income Less All Relief(s)	$80,000	$80,000
CPF Contribution1	$10,800	$10,800
SRS Contribution	-	$11,475
Taxable Income	$69,200	$57,725
Total Tax Payable2	$3,382	$2,407
Tax Savings	-	$975
Tax Savings Over 20 Years	-	$19,500
Potential returns from SRS investments over 20 years3	-	$470,423

Example 2:

	No SRS Contribution	With SRS Contribution
Earned Income Less All Relief(s)	$100,000	$100,000
CPF Contribution1	$10,800	$10,800
SRS Contribution	-	$11,475
Taxable Income	$89,200	$77,725
Total Tax Payable2	$5,588	$4,107
Tax Savings	-	$1,481
Tax Savings over 20 years	-	$29,620
Potential returns from SRS investments over 20 years3		$470,723

1. Based on existing income ceiling of S$4,500 per month

2. Based on existing tax rates for individuals below 55 years for Year of Assessment 2007

3. Funds returns estimated on 7% p.a.

Examples above are for illustrations only.

Calculations for fund returns are done using a financial calculator. If you would like to know how much tax benefit you can enjoy, feel free to let me know, I will do the calculations for you.

Year of Assessment 2007

Chargeable Income	Rate (%)	Gross Tax Payable ($)
First $20,000 Next $10,000	0 3.50	0 350
First $30,000 Next $10,000	- 5.50	350 550
First $40,000 Next $40,000	- 8.50	900 3,400
First $80,000 Next $80,000	- 14.00	4,300 11,200
First $160,000 Next $160,000	- 17.00	15,500 27,200
First $320,000 Above $320,000	- 20.0	42,700

SRS Contribution cap = SRS contribution rate x Absolute Income base

Contribution rate:

- Singaporean/SPR -> 15%

- Foreigner -> 35%

Based on YA2007 and onwards

• Maximum SRS contribution for Singaporean/SPR is $11,475

• Maximum SRS contributions for Foreigners is $26,775

Pls note that all contributions have to be made before 31st Dec each year.

Free quotation for Personal Accident Plans

For free quotation, please fill up the coverage required using the form below, and fax to me at 6417-5522, Attention to "Melvin Lim" please. Thanks. I will revert to your request asap.

If there are any questions, feel free to check with me.

Travel Insurance

+++

• Up to S$1,000 for delay baggage
• Up to S$5,000 for loss or damage of luggage
• One-way Trip cover for those travelling overseas to stay for a long period of time
• Annual Travel Plan to provide cover for the whole year, regardless of the number of trips you make
• Fire cover for your home contents whilst you are overseas
• Up to S$300,000 in the event of accidental death and permanent disablement
• Up to $600,000 in the event of accidental death on public transport

Round the clock - 24 hours Travel & Medical Assistance

Take advantage of our 24 hours Travel & Medical Assistance through International SOS Pte Ltd, which provides a host of information and services including:

• Arrangement of appointments with doctors
• Arrangement of emergency medical evacuation
• Arrangement of hospital admission
• Arrangement of repatriation of mortal remains
• Embassy referral
• Emergency travel assistance
• Foreign exchange information services
• Inoculation and Visa requirement information
• Interpreter referral
• Legal referral
• Lost luggage/passport assistance
• Medical service provider referral
• Telephone medical assistance
• Weather information services

New benefits:

• Up to S$300,000 reimbursement of medical expenses incurred overseas including treatment by Chinese Physician (subject to a maximum limit of S$350 in the aggregate per trip)
• Daily hospital allowance of up to S$200 if hospitalized overseas or in Singapore upon return
• Up to S$6,000 reimbursement for one relative or friend to accompany your children home in event of your hospitalization overseas
• Enhanced coverage for trip delay, cancellation, curtailment, overbooked flight/missed connections and hijack
• Coverage for trip postponement, interruption, hostage/kidnap and rental vehicle excess
• Free automatic extension of cover up to 30 days in the event of return trip being delayed under specified circumstances. For instance, hospitalization or been quarantined overseas
• Loss of personal money and travel documents of up to S$5,000
  

Brochure -1: Coverage and Benefits Details - click picture to zoom in




Brochure -2: Premiums and details you need to know - click picture to zoom in



For asap activation or brochure, please email me here

10 ways to overcome the shrinking dollar

Straits Times just published a very good article yesterday on inflation corroding the value of money. It gave suggestions on how to stop our money from shrinking. Click on news-article below to zoom up for reading. The article highlighted that if inflation is at 5%p.a., it will take just 10 years for the money to be reduced to $5,987 only. Huge sums of money in ordinary savings accounts will be affected most.

The gist of the article and towards financial independence is to ensure our value of monies will not reduce overtime...Imagine someone earning $3,000 monthly, and inflation is 5%p.a, meaning the actual pay is only $2,850 monthly. Calculate this, and you will find a loss in the money value of $150/mth, multipy that by 12 months...and the money loss is $1,800 yearly.! And this salary/money will keep on depreciating in value if there's no income increment and inflation keeps on maintaining the pace.

Singapore CPI was at 6.6% in Jan 2008, below is a new article for your reference.

Singapore's inflation hits 25-year high of 6.6%
By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 25 February 2008 1328 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/330959/1/.html

All of us, from low to high income, need to protect our hard earned monies from corroding due to inflation , and price hikes (e.g. recent articles on rice being sold out and prices going up). Inflation is part and parcel of our life, it grows as our economy, Asia, China and India grows, we really need to ensure that we stay ahead of this race

Singapore Divers, Diving Accident Insurance with SOS

Dear friends, personal accident plans are designed because no one can predict what the future holds. And it may be important to protect ourselves and loved ones from the consequences of an accident...its one way to shelter yourself and your loved ones from life's uncertainties.

In an unforeseen accident, the last thing an individual wants on the mind is financial commitments...but to concentrate on recovering....and above all, to have a peace of mind, knowing that a personal accident plan is in place.

Other than functioning as a Personal Accident plan, this plan also provides coverage for some sports that has a higher risk compared to others

Plan main features:

• Medical reimbursement, including treatment by chinese physicians
• Hospitalisation daily cash
  
• Evacuation and repatriation - SOS
• Exclusive 20% extra coverage for women
• Full benefits option for motor cyclist
• Extensive 24 hour worldwide protection with special terrorism coverage
• Coverage for death
• Major permanent disablement
• Other permanent disablement
• Total disability
• Partial disability

Section 1: Sports covered

• Winter sports or ice-hockey
• Horse riding or polo-playing
• Bicycle racing
• Canoeing, sailing or windsurfing

Section 2: Sports covered

• Mountaineering, rock-climbing, caving, pot-holing or hunting
• Hang-gliding, sky-diving or parachuting
• Scuba diving
• Boxing, wrestling or any martial arts activities,
• Military or police serving of a peace-time nature
• Please check with me if there are doubts or need more information.
• Email: Melvin.Lkw@gmail.com
  

For scuba diving, the Life Assured must is a registered member of a recognized national diving association or federation and is diving in accordance with the rules and regulations of that association or federations.

Important : This plan is not suitable if an individual engages in the sports/activities in a (1) professional capacity., (2) participates regularly in any hazardous activity or sports.

Schools step up checks as more kids hit by HFMD

Looks like its getting serious ..
But the childcare centres, schools are taking steps to prevent it from spreading
Below is an article from Straits Time today, pls click the picture to zoom it for your reading.

Eldershield information

About ElderShield

What is ElderShield?
ElderShield is an insurance scheme introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to help people who become severely disabled. ElderShield provides $300 cash payout every month (for up to 60 months) to those who are not able to do at least 3 of the 6 Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The 6 ADLs are washing, dressing, feeding, toileting, mobility and transferring.

This money can help to pay for a type of care that is suitable to the patient's needs (e.g. home nursing services, day rehabilitation, nursing homes, etc).

Who Is Eligible For ElderShield?
All CPF Members (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) who reach the age of 40 will be covered automatically. As it is an auto-cover scheme, you do not have to sign up to join ElderShield.

An Affordable Insurance Scheme
Premiums for ElderShield are affordable.

Moreover, it is hassle-free as ElderShield premiums will be deducted from your Medisave Account. You may also choose to pay using the CPF Medisave Accounts of your spouse, parents, children or grandchildren or pay by Interbank GIRO, Cheque or Cash.

Background on ElderShield
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 40 - 69 (as at 30 September 2002) and with a CPF Account formed the Initial Auto-Coverage Cohort. They received an auto-cover package in June 2002 and their ElderShield policy commenced on 30 September 2002, unless they opted out before 30 September 2002 or were "disabled".

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who turn 40 after 30 September 2002 and with a CPF Account formed the Steady State Auto-Coverage Cohort. The first Steady State Auto-Coverage Cohort (consisting of those who turned 40 years old in October 2002) received their auto-cover package by end July 2002 and their ElderShield policy commenced on 31 October 2002, unless they opt-out before 31 October 2002 or are "disabled".

Benefits Illustration of ElderShield Basic & Upgrade

ElderShield Basic & Upgrade

Benefits	ElderShield Basic Plan	Upgraded ElderShield Plan
Monthly Benefit Payout	$300	$400
Duration of Benefit Payout	Up to 60 months	Up to 72 months
Maximum Potential Payout	$18,000	$28,800
ElderShield Supplements	NIL	PH can purchase supplements from any of the 3 insurers as long as they have a basic ESH plan
Insurers	Great Eastern NTUC Income	Great Eastern NTUC Income Aviva

More recent news on HFMD - Hand, foot & Mouth Disease

More recent news on HFMD

Main features of plan

- Hospital Cash cover arising from dengue fever, Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and Food poisoning (up to $100/day)
- Transport allowance (up to $60/accident)
- Medical reimbursement (Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment included)
- Daily companion allowance arising from accidents up to $80/day
- continue reading about plan - click here

Below are recent news on HFMD:

• Singapore reports 2,727 HFMD cases - March 14, 2008
  • http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/14/content_7788757.htm
• HFMD: 585 hit, childcare centres on alert - March 27, 2008
  • http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_220870.html
• Main culprit for latest HFMD cases more deadly - March, 2008
  • http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/STIStory_220992.html

Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention - HFMD

Symptoms

• fever
• sore throat
• ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
• headache
• a rash with vesicles (small blisters-- 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance.
• loss of appetite

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms.

Treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not indicated. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children under age 12 years.

Salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.

HFMD in Singapore
HFMD is present all year round in Singapore. Outbreaks do occur in childcare centres, kindergartens and schools. HFMD became legally notifiable on 1 October 2000. Although usually a mild disease, it has been associated with fatalities usually due to complications involving the heart and nervous system.

Advice for parents
Parents are advised to consult a doctor early if their child has symptoms of HFMD. They should also be alert to any change in their child's normal behaviour, e.g. irritation and sleepiness. Should they refuse to eat or drink, have persistent vomiting or drowsiness, parents should bring their child immediately to hospital.

Prevention
Children should be kept away from crowded public places (such as schools, preschools, play groups, markets and public transport) if they show signs of infection. Family members are advised to follow good hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing, to limit the spread of the infection.

• Read more - Article 1 Health Promotion Board: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD
  
  
• Read more - Article 2 More HFMD cases reported this year
  
  
• Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here

Junior Protector for children - Hand, Foot and Mouth disease

Pls click on picture to zoom.
File size approx 600KB

New plan especially for kids' protection.

- Hospital Cash cover arising from dengue fever, Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, and Food poisoning (up to $100/day)
- Transport allowance (up to $60/accident)
- Medical reimbursement (Traditional Chinese Medical Treatment included)
- Daily companion allowance arising from accidents up to $80/day
- and more, pls click here to email me for enquiries.
- Thanks!

Junior Protector

Overview
Our precious little ones mean everything to us. Which is why we do everything we can to ensure their safety and protection. At the same time, we also want the assurance that should accidents occur, we will be financially prepared to handle it.

Guaranteed Acceptance with up to $45,000 Cover for Major Permanent Disablement
Every child can be protected under Junior Protector. Acceptance is guaranteed+ for children age 1 to 16 years old, and this plan is renewable up to age 75.

+ Upon satisfaction of the terms of declaration

Hospital Cash Cover Arising from Dengue Fever, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Food Poisoning
With the increase in cases of dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease, and food poisoning in recent years, Junior Protector has extended the coverage to provide hospital cash cover arising from these 3 ailments.

Up to $30,000 Education Assurance Fund for added security
Upon the accidental death of the policyholder (parent), this fund helps to ensure that the child’s future education and daily expenses are well taken care of.

Unique Daily Companion Allowance Arising from Accidents
You may need to take additional leave to take care of your child in hospital at times. With this special feature, you will receive up to $80 daily to cushion the financial drawbacks of taking time off work.

Key Benefits
		Protection 24 hours a day, all year round, anywhere in the world
		Up to $30,000 lump sum payout in the event of a fatal accident
		Up to $3,000 for Reconstructive Surgery
		Covers death and total permanent disability due to terrorism
		5% Renewal Discount from the 2nd year onwards

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD

1. Health Promotion Board: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease - HFMD

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71. The throat and tonsils develop small ulcers while the hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by a rash with characteristic vesicles (very small blisters). This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.

Symptoms

• fever
• sore throat
• ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
• headache
• a rash with vesicles (small blisters, 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance
• loss of appetite

Blisters on the soles of the feet.
(Photograph courtesy of KK Women's and Children's hospital)

Read more about the article here
Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here




2. More HFMD cases reported this year
Posted: 27 March 2008 1856 hrs - Channelnewsasia

SINGAPORE: There has been an increase in the number of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases this year.

The Health Ministry (MOH) has received 3,721 reports so far. It is alerting doctors to be vigilant and to detect new cases early for treatment.

It is also working with the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to alert schools to step up measures against HFMD.

If necessary, the Health Ministry may require the closure of pre-schools under the Infectious Diseases Act.

HFMD is spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets. This includes saliva, faeces and blister fluid of an infected person.

Symptoms include fever, mouth ulcers and rashes with blisters on the palms and soles.

Children five years old and younger are the most vulnerable.

MOH has discovered high circulation of the Enterovirus 71 among infected persons since mid-February.

The re-emergence of the virus is of concern as there could be serious health complications.

Read more about the article here
Are you (your child) able to get any medical reimbursements? Find out more here




3. ARCHIVE 2006: More dangerous strain of HFMD on the rise in Singapore
By Joanne Leow, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 March 2006 1621 hrs

SINGAPORE : A more dangerous strain of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is on the rise in Singapore.

Of the over 2,000 cases reported since the beginning of this year, some 75 percent have tested positive for Enterovirus 71 (EV71).

EV71 can cause complications involving the heart and brain which can result in death.

The Health Ministry is concerned about the recent increase in HFMD cases in the region which have resulted in eight deaths in Sarawak and one death in Brunei.

There has been a sharp increase in the weekly average number of HFMD cases this year, doubling from 174 cases per week in February to 331 cases weekly in March.

But Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan says it is not the figures he is so worried about, but the EV71 strain of the disease which was associated with seven deaths here in the years 2000 and 2001.

Young children are the most susceptible with two-thirds of the cases in Singapore aged less than five years.

The disease is spread through direct contact with an infected person and indirectly through contaminated articles.