Cheaper GP services for cabbies and their families

SINGAPORE - Taxi drivers who are members of the National Taxi Association (NTA) will soon be able to enjoy cheaper medical bills when they visit certain general practitioner (GP) clinics under the Parkway Shenton medical group.

Under an agreement signed yesterday by the two organisations, all 13,000 NTA members are entitled to pay just $22 for each visit relating to acute illnesses from August onwards.

The fee comprises general consultation fee and up to three standard medications, inclusive of GST.

According to The Straits Times (ST), such a visit would usually cost $35 or more.

This special rate is extended to the cabbies' immediate family members, including spouses, children and parents

The special rate is available at 19 of the 30 clinics under the medical group, which include clinics at Suntec City, International Plaza, Toa Payoh Central, Harbourfront and Republic Plaza.

All NTA members already enjoy free medical assessment on their fitness to drive for those aged 70 years and above at all its clinics across Singapore.

Last month, Shenton and NTA also jointly launched a comprehensive suite of statutory medical assessment packages for taxi drivers starting from $12 per examination.

Shenton said it is working with other NTUC member organisations to see whether their lower rates for GP services can be extended to workers in other industries.

yamadak@sph.com.sg