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Incidence and Overview of Bacterial Meningitis
2008-02-11 16:11:00
Bacterial meningitis means inflammation of the meninges. Meninges is the covering of central nervous system (Brain). Some times the cerebrospinal fluid found around brain and spinal cord also get infected. Some times, instead of direct affection due to head injury, the problem may occur due to the secondary causal factors. For example, if one patient is having less cared sinus problem for a long time, he may finally get affected by bacterial meningitis. Extension of nearby infections from nasal sinus called as sinusitis may lead to this condition. Group B streptococci mainly affects new born child either during birth or after the birth. Mostly the streptococcus pneumoniae or neisseria meningitides become  the etiological factors for this disease. Adults get affected by Listeria monocytogenes mostly. In United States, adults are more frequent sufferers of this disease than young ones. However, childhood bacterial meningitis has been documented in various parts of this globe in kids...
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Maid insurance: New system aids transparency
2008-02-11 14:00:00
I REFER to the letter by Ms Tay Siew Lee, ‘Maid replaced but forced to take insurance again'’ (ST, Feb 4), and welcome the opportunity to clarify several points raised: On Nov 1 last year, the General Insurance Association of Singapore implemented the Trade Specific Agent (TSA) framework for the selling and distribution of foreign domestic worker (FDW) insurance. Prior to this TSA framework, the insurance costs of hiring an FDW were usually included in the employment agency fees as part of the entire maid employment package. Often employers did not know how much they had paid and hence, how much refund they were entitled to, in the event of cancellation. The new framework facilitates greater transparency. For example, policy premiums must now be clearly shown on the policy documents and cancellation conditions must also be reflected. For cancellation refunds, the industry practice differs from insurer to insurer. A common method used is this: 70 per cent refund of pr...
More About: System , Transparency , Aids

Treatment of Aplastic Anemia
2008-02-08 21:00:00
The treatment of aplastic anemia was considered once as impossible ones. But, currently many therapeutic applications are available for the affected persons like transfusion of blood or bone marrow replacement together with appropriate medications. Platelet transfusion also helps the treatment. Iron chelation therapy is undertaken when repeated transfusions of red blood cells are given. However, it needs a periodical monitoring of blood status. In such cases, immuno suppressive therapy using prednisolone is to be adapted with usual medical precautions. Rabbit based thymoglobulins help the recovery. The affected persons need to be given supportive therapy with multiple B complex vitamins and provide them with good digestible diet enriched with various nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids rich in fish, fish oil and almond nuts helps to prevent this disease. Antioxidants help to prevent the incidences of this problem. Similarly, some non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen also ...
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Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia
2008-02-06 20:42:00
The affected persons with aplastic anemia often show short of breathing actions. Fatigue status is quiet apparent. Dullness is quiet apparent in the affected persons. Bleeding tendency is noticed in the gum regions etc. Some times there may be prolonged bleeding is present. In addition, the affected persons often become more vulnerable to severe infections due to the lesser resistance mechanisms in the body. Epistaxis or bleeding from the nasal passages may be present. Because of the existing anemic status, the mucous membranes of the patient frequently goes pallor in appearance. Pyrexia may occur if the patient is affected with severe bacterial infections in the body. Hematological examination especially the red cell and white blood cell count together with the hematocrit value and the platelet count help for making a fast diagnosis in these cases. In some cases, bone marrow biopsy may be undertaken in addition to the shape and size of the blood cells. The bone marrow aspiration al...
More About: Symptoms

Undergoing Minor Operations. Happy Chinese New Year
2008-02-03 17:43:00
By the time most of you are reading this, I would have been going for a minor cyst operations on 4th Jan and discharged on the 6th Jan. It is a benign small operations so I should be discharged by Chinese New Year Eve. As an advise by doctor, I would be resting for a week, so I won’t be doing any blog entries till I am feeling better. Hope I recover faster to start a good Chinese Golden Rat Year 2008! May all of you have a prosperous Chinese New Year .
More About: Happy

2 more FAQ about CPF changes
2008-02-03 15:11:00
Dear Readers, some of my clients had asked me 2 more questions on the CPF changes, I have placed them here. 1) What are the new restrictions on the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) arising from the CPF Reforms? From 1 April 2008, you will not be able to invest the first $20,000 in your Ordinary Account and first $20,000 in your Special Account. To invest under CPFIS-OA, you will have to set aside $20,000 in your Ordinary Account before the remaining savings in your Ordinary Account can be used for investments. Similarly, to invest under CPFIS-SA, you will have to set aside $20,000 in your Special Account before the remaining savings in your Special Account can be used for investments. This restriction is in place because of the extra 1% interest that you will earn on the first $60,000 of your combined CPF accounts from 1 January 2008. However, you can continue to service your regular premium insurance policies (but NOT recurring single premium insurance policies or regular savings plan...

T K Haver’s financial Management
2008-02-01 17:22:00
I attend a talk by T K Haver’s seminar. The person who wrote “The Millionaire Mindset”. He had shared some ideas, and these are few I had consolidated from some of my friends notes and during his experience sharing 1) PLAY ACCOUNT PLAY Account is your portion of your money which you will need to use to ENJOY your money. You can go for a massage, go for spa, go and buy the luxury that you have craved for. Spend this money like there is no tomorrow. You can spend this money in the PLAY Account till you drop, without feeling guilty 2) NECCESSITY ACCOUNT NECCESSITY Account is your portion of your money which you use to spend your money on NECCESSITIES! DOn’t spend on things you don’t need or to use Credit card to overspend. Eg food, transportation, clothings 3) LTSS ACCOUNT LTSS Account is the portion of your money for long term spending like buying a television set, buying car, buying a washing machine, buying anything that you can associate to long t...
More About: Management , Financial , Financial Management

Does Enhanced Incomeshield cover for kidney dialysis?
2008-01-31 19:30:00
A client Bry** called me up the other day to ask me on questions if enhanced incomeshield can claim for kidney dialysis and medication. I explained to him truthfully on the matters 1.. For outpatient medical treatment, e.g. of Chemotherapy, the consultation and regular medication prescribed by the doctors wld not be covered. >> only chemo will be covered under the benefits. Blood test or consultation prior to chemo is not covered. All the Shield plans that cover for chemotherapy is the same too. 2.. Regardless of whichever plan we take up, outpatient medical treatment will cover “As Charged”. E.g. If PH takes up enhanced basic + Assist Rider and has to go for Renal Dial ysis, he only needs to copay 10%, capped at $2000. >> yes, per policy year basis. 3.. If PH has kidney failure and needs renal dialysis for life, Income will pay the remainder of the bills capped at the annual limit/yr, after he has paid his copayment of 10%, for life. Will Income ever reject his renewabil...
More About: Cover , Kidney

Questions on downgrade/upgrade of Enhanced Incomeshield Rider
2008-01-30 19:13:00
A client asked us on the following questions: 1. Already on Enhanced Advantage with Plus Rider , wants to upgrade, can we offer Enhanced Preferred with PLUS rider or just Enhanced Preferred with Assist Rider? 2. Similarly for Incomeshield Plan A with Plus rider, can we accept for upgrade to Enhanced Advantage with PLUS rider? 3. What about down grades? Is it possible from Enhanced Preferred with PLUS rider to Enahnced Advantage with PLUS rider? —————&mdash ;—— Our Answer: Existing Incomeshield Plus Riders are not affected. That is to say if a policyholder who already has an Incomeshield Plus Rider attached to his/her policy wishes to upgrade/downgrade will still be eligible to stay on with the Incomeshield Plus Rider. If they terminate their Incomeshield Plus Rider, then they will not be able to re-join the scheme.
More About: Questions

What happens if husband gives up family for mistress?
2008-01-29 17:46:00
Q MY HUSBAND has been having an affair with a woman of another nationality for many years. I know he plans to leave me and my child although he keeps denying it. He bought an apartment for his mistress in her own country and has splurged a lot of money on her. He gives us $1,500 a month and expects that to be enough for everything: daily expenses, transport costs, medical fees and other necessities. I am very worried that he will leave us in the lurch and go off to the other country where the woman is. Assuming he does not have a will and leaves Singapore suddenly without signing divorce papers, I would like to know the following: 1. How can I get a share of his properties and investments in and outside Singapore? 2. Will I be liable for debts incurred by his business? Can his partners force us to pay his debts? 3. Will I be able to sell and keep the proceeds from properties bought jointly here and overseas? 4. Will his departure amount to separation, which means a divorce can...
More About: Family , Husband

Warren Buffet Invest in Re Insurance Company…
2008-01-28 17:43:00
Some interesting news I read on Warren Buffet recently. Prehaps the direction favours the insurance industry? —————&mdash ;—————&mdas h;– “Warren Buffet t has confounded analysts by again investing in the ailing insurance world. According to reports released earlier this week, Buffett snatched up 3% of Swiss Re, the world’s largest reinsurer, at an estimated value of 859 million Swiss francs, or approximately $783 million US (although terms of the deal were not disclosed). Berkshire Hathaway’s purchase of Swiss Re is interesting for another reason as well – it is a major competitor of General Re, another Berkshire Hathaway-owned company. Regardless, the move is further evidence that Buffett has managed to avoid being hit by the current credit crisis, and he is actually profiting from it.” Source Cocktail Invest or
More About: Insurance , Company

What is Aplastic Anemia?
2008-01-28 16:16:00
Aplastic anemia is a disorder inwhcih the bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in an inadequate manner and pancytopenia occurs in this. More emphasis is given to this rare but severe condition because each blood cell type is associated with specific function in the body. Idiopathic aplastic anemia is another condition wherein there is  injury to the stem cells that produce different blood cells. The causal factors for this idiopathic type are frequently associated with the autoimmune mechanism. However, pregnancy, toxic drug like chloramphenicol,  congenitial factors, diseases like hepatitis  etc. become the general causes for the aplastic anemia. Systemic lupus erythematosus and blood disorder like nocturnal hemoglobinuria also lead to this type of anemic status. This condition affects any age group of persons. In 1888, Paul Ehrlich first explained the concept of this type of anemia. However, only in 1904, Chauffard coined the term of aplastic an...

How to think like Warren Buffet
2008-01-28 16:11:00
Back in 1999, Robert G. Hagstrom wrote a book about the legendary investor Warren Buffet t, entitled “The Warren Buffet t Portfolio”. What’s so great about the book, and what makes it different from the countless other books and articles written about the “Oracle of Omaha” is that it offers the reader valuable insight into how Buffett actually thinks about investments. In other words, the book delves into the psychological mindset that has made Buffett so fabulously wealthy. Although investors could benefit from reading the entire book, we’ve selected a bite-sized sampling of the tips and suggestions regarding the investor mindset and ways that an investor can improve their stock selection that will help you get inside Buffett’s head. 1. Think of Stocks as a Business Many investors think of stocks and the stock market in general as nothing more than little pieces of paper being traded back and forth among investors, which might help prevent in...

Angioplasty Treatment Options
2008-01-27 15:55:00
Angioplasty (partial payment) and other invasive treatment for coronary artery have to be carried out by specialized cardiothoracic surgeon with due precautions in reputed hospitals. The treatment policies of firms differ associating partial payment or full payment. Partial payments for angioplasty have to be covered by the insurance policy of the firms and one has to verify all these things before undergoing the surgical intervention in coronary artery. Hence, the complications that are generally more likely to occur can be prevented or minimized to a greater extent. This leads to a happy life for the patient who already suffered due to so many medical management techniques undergone earlier. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass technique is one of the useful method in addition to the angioplasty(partial payment). Coronary endartarectomy may be done in some patients as a an invasive one. Some times, long term antiplatelet therapy may be carried out using suitable tents and dru...
More About: Treatment , Options

Symptoms Favoring Angioplasty
2008-01-25 17:40:00
The symptoms of coronary artery diseases necessitate the instant requirement for undergoing the angioplasty (partial payment) and other invasive treatment for coronary artery. Partial payment for angioplasty often relate to the severity of symptoms identified and the extent of requirement for operation. You have to be aware of major  symptoms of coronary artery diseases. The symptoms include breathlessness for short periods of time, extreme degree of exercise intolerance and  too much difficulties in climbing or coming down stairs. Similarly, many times patients with coronary artery diseases who are in need of such angioplasty (partial payment) and other invasive treatment for coronary artery disease complain the inability to sit in some particular positions. Selected postures are used for sitting by such affected persons. Diagnosis of coronary artery diseases is done by many techniques like obtaining of ECG, radiological findings, ultra sound examination findings etc. Nuclear med...
More About: Symptoms

New Workmen Compensation Act (now called Workmen Compensation Injury Act) +
2008-01-25 17:30:00
Maid Levy Changes 1. Introduced by MOM (ministry of manpower) the scheme will allow those caring for the disabled to get a $95 discount on monthloy foreign maid levy of $265. (earlier, it was restricted to families with young children and elderly) 2. 2nd scheme will allow caregivers to apply for grants to attend courses on looking after the erlderly. NEW WORKMEN COMPENSATION EIGHT in 10 Singapore workers will be covered by workmen’s compensation when they are injured at work, with the passing of a new Act in Parliament yesterday. In all, 2.1 million will be covered, compared with 1.25 million under the old Act. Also, they will receive a bigger payout that could be as much as $33,000 more. The changes are the main highlights of the Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) Bill introduced for debate yesterday by Minister of State for Manpower Gan Kim Yong. They will ‘bring our compensation framework in line with international practices’, he said as he announced th...
More About: Injury

Angioplasty secrets revealed
2008-01-25 16:46:00
Person who is suffering from heart block will be advised to undergo this surgery. This is a simple surgery. So I do want to clarify few doubts before going for the same. Angioplasty (partial payment) and other invasive treatment for coronary artery are given more emphasis currently due to the increased occurrence of diseases pertaining to the coronary arteries. Health related companies formulate different rules pertaining to the partial payment of charges for angioplasty but you need to confirm about the percentage and some times about fifty per cent may be covered in such conditions. Angioplasty is the method used to dilate the lumen of partially occluded coronary  artery by using a dilated balloon and invasive treatment for coronary artery . For example, severe atherosclerosis due to existing multiple causes lead to the diseases in case of the coronary arteries over a period of time. Systemic diseases too affect coronary arteries. Epidemiological study reveals that annually nearl...
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New draw-down age for CPF MSS
2008-01-24 19:12:00
Please note new draw-down age for CPF MSS year 2007 official retiement age age 56 & 57 63 age 54 & 55 64 age 49 - 53 65 Draw -down age for CPF minimum sum to be raised progressively to 65 By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 August 2007 2334 hrs SINGAPORE : The government is taking more steps to ensure that Singaporeans have enough CPF savings for their old age. It is raising the draw-down age for the minimum sum from 62 to 65. This was announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday. Currently, Singaporeans who have turned 62 can start withdrawing their CPF minimum sum and enjoy a S$790 monthly payout for the next 20 years. This will change in five years (in 2012) when the new “Draw-Down Age”, or DDA, is progressively raised to 65. The first to be affected will be those aged 56 or 57 by the end of 2007. They will have to wait one year longer - t...

Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: What Do You Need to Know
2008-01-23 20:10:00
The therapy for Alzheimer ’s disease/severe dementia consists of usage of drugs like Donepezhil in moderate cases and this medicament has fewer side effects. Normally, there is no treatment available to effect a concrete cure in severe form of diseases or the severe end stages of this disease. Hence, you have to provide counseling and physical therapists to overcome the troubles experienced by the concerned persons. Provide adequate amounts of vitamin C and E in particular. The antioxidants present in the fish and fish oils are of useful. However, suitable assistance needs to be provided in severely or moderately affected persons. Memantine is another drug useful and it acts by blocking the actions of glutamate in the brain cells. These drugs mainly are useful to slow down the progress of the disease. The drugs used are aimed basically at the strengthening of brain cells or neurons that use the acetylcholine for a better transmission of nerve signals. Good lifestyle with less s...
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CPF savings is not enough for your retirement
2008-01-23 17:16:00
SINGAPOREANS rely too heavily on their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings to fund their retirement, a global survey on retirement planning by French financial group AXA has found. In fact, it is estimated that for the average Singaporean, CPF savings will provide only a quarter of the funds he or she will need in old age. Working out the financial shortfall THE average Singaporean earns $50,000 a year. Financial planners say a good rule of thumb for retirement is to have savings of 10 times your annual income. Thus, the average Singaporean would need a lump sum of $500,000. The CPF Minimum Sum will be raised to $120,000 from April, so the shortfall will increase to $380,000. Retirement calculator for Men One bit of good news in the survey was that Singaporeans are among the world’s top savers. But experts warn that savings alone are not enough to plug the financial gap and achieve retirement goals. This is because the low rates of return for savings mean they will not ke...
More About: Savings , Tire

Discover the Symptoms of Alzhiemer’s Disease
2008-01-22 17:23:00
Alzheimer’s disease/severe dementia is encountered with patients in various stages of symptoms. Stage 1 to 7 is classified depending on severity of symptoms.The stage-I is not perceptible or recognizable by the patient himself. The stage two also is recognized mildly by patient alone in form of forgetting of some small objects or events. Others start recognizing the defects in memory of affected persons with this disease when it comes to stage-III. However, the duration of the clinical problem varies from two to twenty years and varies from patient to patient. From this stage onwards, there is increasing incidences of forgetting coupled with decline in cognitive abilities etc. are more pronounced. Yeah… In final stage, the patient reveals the loss of the ability to speech and there is often urinary incontinence and needs assistance from a nurse. There is often an imperfect recollecting of their personal identity or name. There is no concrete diagnostic technique but o...
More About: Disease , Symptoms , Discover

Will splitting funds between 2 annuities lower risk?
2008-01-22 17:18:00
Q I PLAN to save $200,000 for my retirement by the age of 55. Then, I plan to use that sum to buy an annuity which I believe will offer an approximate payout of $800 per month from age 62 onwards. To me, this is a huge sum. Do you think the risk is higher if I use the money to buy an annuity from one insurer rather than splitting it into two to buy from two different insurers? A CURRENT annuity rates can provide a life annuity payout from age 62 of $1,000-plus a month for a lump sum consideration of $200,000 at age 55. Annuity rates fluctuate over time, and are typically fixed at the time of purchase, except for variable life annuity plans which generally pay a lower monthly payout in the initial years, with increasing monthly payouts depending on the performance of the insurance company’s investments. Historically, annuity rates and corresponding monthly payouts have ranged from over $2,000 (for the same $200,000 lump sum) in the early 1980s when interest rates were at hist...
More About: Risk , Lower , Funds , Annuities

What is Alzheimer’s disease?
2008-01-21 17:16:00
Alzheimer’s disease or severe dementia is defined as a disease condition affecting persons at the elderly stages and in this disease; there is a gradual loss of memory of the patient. The patient forgets most of the activities regularly in a slow manner. The epidemiological survey reveals that this disease affected person’s die within four to six years from the period of diagnosis of severe disease. About four million elders are suffering every year by this Alzheimer’s disease/severe dementia. One in ten individuals aged sixty-five or older get affected by this disease. Similarly, those persons aged eighty-five get definitely affected. Yeah… All these can be attributed to the degenerative changes due to aging status. About four and half million Americans are affected with this disease. Since 1980s, this number gets highly increased remarkably. The presence of abundant amounts of glutamate leads to over excitation of neurons and this causes the symptoms. The ...
More About: Disease

What not to do when planning your retirement
2008-01-21 05:05:00
Last week we were at the SIXEC roadshow. Retirement was the buzzword at the recent Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition, which examined what can be done for your finances then. Singapore Straits Times Lorna looks at the eight mistakes to avoid when planning for your golden years. RETIREMENT planning is not a topic that gets the heart beating faster, and sadly it is all too clear that Singaporeans do not want much to do with it. However, with 20 per cent of the population expected to be over 65 by 2030, it is equally clear that people here need to start planning early for their golden years. No one can claim they have not been reminded of the need to start planning as such wake-up calls are constantly aired in Singapore. And it is not as though Singaporeans lack financial options. Many of these were outlined at the recent Silver Industry Conference and Exhibition (Sicex) at Suntec City. The event explored opportunities for an ageing Asia and tackled issues like how to make fi...
More About: Planning , Tire

New 10yrs payment Whole Life Living Insurance. VIVOLIFE!
2008-01-20 05:05:00
Our old Limited Premium LIving Policy (20yrs payment and cover whole life- HIgher cash value) is ending this Jan 30th 2008. 1) Key features * With-profits whole life plan that covers death, TPD and dread diseases. * High on protection value, with full payent and limited payment premium terms (10, 15, 20, 25 yrs or up to age 64, 84) * Available for all between age 0-64 last birthday (LB) 2) Death Benefit * Sum assured and accumulated bonuses will be paid to the beneficiaries in one lump sum. * Policy terminates thereafter. 3) Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) * Upon diagnosis of TPD of the life assured before age 65, the full sum assured and accumulated bonuses will be paid to the policyholder in one lump sum, up to $1m per year. * Maximum total TPD benefit payable on the same life is $2 million for vivolife policy. 4) Dread Diseases * Covers 30 major diseases. Sum assured and accumulated bonuses will be paid to the policyholder in one lump sum upon diagnosis of a specified critic...
More About: Life , Living , Insurance , Payment

New price list from Singapore Traffic Police to all drivers
2008-01-18 01:13:00
Just realise the demerit points system by Singapore Traffic Police . Please be careful when driving… Speeding: Exceeding 1 - 20km/h = $130 + 4 demerit points. Exceeding 21 - 30km/h = $150 + 6 demerit points. Exceeding 31 - 40km/h = $180 + 8 demerit points. Exceeding 41 - 50km/h = >$200 + 12 demerit points + Court. Exceeding 51 - 60km/h = >$200 + 18 demerit points + Court. Exceeding >61km/h = >$200 + 24 demerit points + Court. If you want to be hero and fight the court case yourself, and you lose, you pay the court charges yourself, which will add up to your fine. I guess the court charges is at least $200 and above. Careless driving = $150 + 6 demerit Points. Inconsiderate Driving = $170 + 9 Demerit Points + Court. Dangerous Driving = >$200 + 24 Demerit Points + Court + Vehicle Compounded Illegal Racing = >$200 + Vehi...
More About: Drivers , List

Causes and Symptoms of Paralysis
2008-01-17 13:47:00
The onset of paralysis of a person will occur either suddenly or slowly. The major causes or diseases which may predispose to sudden paralysis includes arterial blockage, spinal cord injury, hysteria, Subarachnoid hemorrhage, Head injury, and Stroke. The slow onset of paralysis may be conjugated with different conditions like Poliomyelitis, Motor neurone disease, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Muscular dystrophy, Multiple sclerosis and Brain tumor. The actual symptoms of paralysis are getting intensified once the victim is unable to cope up with the condition. The effects of paralysis will vary according to the affected parts. The initial symptoms of paralysis include numbness, limb weakness, the trunk or body muscle can be affected. Changes to joints, bones, and muscles are the main symptoms of paralysis that may cause some discomfort or pain among the affected person.
More About: Symptoms

Stock Top Picks 2008 by various houses
2008-01-14 17:59:00
DBS Vickers DBS Vickers expects the Singapore market to remain in consolidation mode in 1Q2008 . Earnings per share (EPS) growth are expected to accelerate to 22% in 2008, up from 17% in 2007. This is driven by domestic sectors such as property and real estate investment trusts (REIT5), banks, consumer goods and services. The other key drivers are growth related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) (primarily from China ‘S’ shares) and the industrial sector (on increased order book deliveries this year). Even excluding growth from property and REITs, EPS growth is decent at 16% in 2008 but declining to 14.7% in FY2009. However, risks to earnings are now higher, given uncertainties from the US, a depreciating US dollar, high oil prices and inflationary pressures. DBSV thinks the Straits Times Index is fairly valued, trading at forward price-to-earnings ratio (PER) of 14.6 times, marginally lower than the average forward PER of 15 times over the past seven years. A 12-month targ...
More About: Houses , Stock

Further Report on Means Testing by Health Minister
2008-01-14 09:10:00
MEANS testing at hospitals will neither be mean nor demeaning, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan promised on Sunday. Referring to middle-income people who might have difficulty meeting their hospital bills, especially in long-drawn illnesses, he said he would rather be more generous than strict. He is prepared to let some better-off people get the full subsidy, rather than deprive anyone in need of help with medical bills. He said this while taking in concerns raised at two dialogues with 900 people over the first weekend since he announced his plans to introduce means testing here. The main concerns put to Mr Khaw focused on high income people with many to support, as well as retirees who might be asset-rich but cash poor. The minister had announced that ability to pay will be based on income for working adults, and house-type for unemployed patients. People may continue to choose any ward class they want, but with wealthier patients paying more. For C class patients, the subsidy wi...
More About: Testing , Report

Stocks dip for third straight week on news of belt-tightening
2008-01-13 09:25:00
NEW YORK - US STOCKS fell sharply on Friday, capping a third consecutive weekly decline, on a warning by American Express Co of mounting credit-card defaults and a slowdown in consumer spending. Worries about consumer belt-tightening hit stocks - from fast-food chain McDonald’s Corp to Tiffany & Co, which cut its profit forecast on weak consumer spending. Evidence that individuals reined in their usual holiday spending last year came from SpendingPulse, a private retail data service, which said spending, excluding sales of petrol and cars, fell 0.7 per cent last month. ‘Consumers were not expected to spend much and they spent even less than that,’ said Mr Fred Dickson, director of retail research at D.A. Davidson & Co in Lake Oswego. ‘The markets right now are very much in recession mentality.’ The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended down 246.79 points, or 1.92 per cent, at 12,606.3. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 19.31 points,...
More About: News , Stocks , Belt , Week , Straight