The CritiCare Fund for Migrant Workers was launched to help migrant workers in Singapore whose medical insurance does not fully cover treatment costs for critical illnesses. Announced on Friday, the fund seeks to provide financial aid for severe medical conditions that often leave workers in difficult situations.
The fund will be managed by Ray of Hope, a charity regulated by Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development. A council comprising doctors, civil society members, employers, and migrant workers will decide on aid distribution. Each case is estimated to need 20,000 Singapore dollars, with 10,500 Singapore dollars reserved for administrative expenses.
In addition to financial support, the initiative will collect data on critical illness trends among migrant workers. This information aims to inform future healthcare policies and improve insurance coverage for this group.
Many migrant workers face challenges affording treatments for illnesses like late-stage cancer, as current insurance mandates only cover basic hospitalizations. Outpatient care, such as chemotherapy, and overseas care after repatriation are often excluded, leaving workers vulnerable.
Critical illnesses like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death in the migrant worker community. With over 1.5 million foreign workers in Singapore, the fund aims to provide immediate relief and push for better healthcare policies.
