An eye-watering $6.1 billion. That is the value of the Merdeka Generation Package (MGP), the details of which were announced by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat earlier this week in the Budget speech.
While Singaporeans are grateful for the MGP's generosity, questions are nonetheless being raised about whether a broader universal health scheme should be introduced to benefit all Singaporeans of all ages instead of ad hoc initiatives such as the MGP and Pioneer Generation Package (PGP). In keeping with the national stance of prudence and fiscal conservatism, there are also concerns about the sustainability of healthcare spending.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Read the full story and more at $9.90/month
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
ST One Digital
$9.90/month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
