The Availability of Paxlovid in Singapore
Singapore has an ample supply of Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat adults at high risk of severe Covid-19. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has assured the public that the stockpile of Paxlovid will be released only when the need arises.
Paxlovid Cost Coverage Changes
However, as of November 2024, Paxlovid is no longer provided for free by the MOH. The ministry has ceased fully covering the costs of the drug used in primary care settings. This change in policy was communicated to The Straits Times.
Composition and Purpose of Paxlovid
Pfizer’s Paxlovid is an oral treatment consisting of two types of medication – nirmatrelvir, an antiviral medicine, and ritonavir, which helps maintain the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir in the body at higher concentrations for an extended period to combat the virus.
Rollout of Paxlovid in 2022
In 2022, Paxlovid was introduced in phases at selected polyclinics and Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) for high-risk patients to reduce their risk of hospitalization. These high-risk patients include individuals who are immunocompromised, elderly, obese, or have active cancer, severe lung, heart, or kidney disease.
Challenges in Accessing Paxlovid
Despite the availability of Paxlovid at designated clinics, some patients faced difficulties in obtaining the antiviral medication. Feedback indicated that patients were unable to access Paxlovid at clinics on the list provided by the MOH.
Changes in Cost Coverage
While the MOH initially covered the costs of Paxlovid for eligible primary care settings in 2022, this coverage has been discontinued. Immunocompromised Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 18 or older with mild to moderate Covid-19 infection may now receive subsidies of up to 75% under the Medication Assistance Fund starting November 2024.
Continued Focus on Vaccination
The National Vaccination Programme in Singapore continues to offer Covid-19 jabs free of charge to all eligible individuals. Vaccination remains a crucial line of defense against the disease, with high vaccination rates contributing to Singapore’s current status as an endemic norm for Covid-19.
Efficacy of Paxlovid
Paxlovid was the first oral tablet approved by the Health Sciences Authority for use in Singapore in January 2022. Clinical data has demonstrated that Paxlovid can reduce Covid-19-related hospitalization or death by 88.9% when administered within three days of symptom onset, with an efficacy rate of 87.8% within five days of symptom appearance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the availability and cost coverage of Paxlovid in Singapore have undergone changes, impacting high-risk patients seeking treatment for Covid-19. Despite these challenges, vaccination remains a critical tool in the fight against the disease, alongside the use of antiviral medications like Paxlovid.
FAQs
- Is Paxlovid still provided for free in Singapore?
- How can eligible individuals access subsidies for Paxlovid under the Medication Assistance Fund?
- What is the efficacy of Paxlovid in reducing Covid-19-related hospitalization or death?