THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has pulled together a high-powered team representing various industries and interest groups to design the new MediShield Life.

The various captains of industry, financial experts, healthcare heads and voluntary and grassroots leaders held their first meeting yesterday.

Their task is to enlarge MediShield, the national insurance scheme, to include everyone and increase the benefits while maintaining its affordability.

Headed by retired accountant Mr Bobby Chin, the team plans to hold about 15 consultations with 30 to 50 people each between now and March next year to understand the concerns of as wide a spectrum of people as possible.

Members include Ms Janet Ang, managing director of IBM Singapore, Ms Diana Chia, president, National Trades Union Congress, Mr Patrick Lee chairman of Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Mr Abdul Rohim Sarip, vice president of the Singapore Business Federation, Dr Tan See Leng, group chief exective officer of Parkway Pantai and Mr Vairappan Tamilselvam, chairman of the Cheng San Community Club.

The review team is expected to complete its work by May next year and the new scheme is slated to start operations in 2015.