As a member of the pioneer generation, I am grateful for the financial discounts given for our healthcare.

My concern is the ever-rising cost of unsubsidised healthcare in restructured hospitals. If left uncontrolled, this will also hurt the thin wallets of pioneers with no income and negate the benefits of the Government's schemes in the years ahead.

One example is the hormone injections I need every four weeks for my osteoporosis treatment.

JurongHealth, which managed Alexandra Hospital before June 30, used to charge $19.50 (before government subsidies) for each treatment. After moving to Ng Teng Fong Hospital, JurongHealth now charges $27.78 (before subsidy) for the same treatment.

An annual increase of 42 per cent in healthcare costs is unsustainable even for working people.

I hope the Health Ministry will share how it plans to rein in rising charges in restructured hospitals.

Lo Chock Fei