In early 2025, a Singaporean man was declared bankrupt over a hospital debt of more than S$292,000. The case made headlines, not just because of the amount, but because of what happened next.
Just before the hearing, National University Hospital (NUH) discovered that the man, Philip Soh, had been living in a fully subsidised nursing home since 2018. He had no income, no savings, and was relying entirely on government support. NUH quickly moved to withdraw the bankruptcy application, citing compassionate reasons.
This real-life situation shines a spotlight on something many Singaporeans don’t fully understand: there is financial help available for medical expenses, but patients must take steps to access it.
Here’s what we can learn from this case, and how you or your loved ones can seek financial support when faced with overwhelming hospital bills.
What Happened in the NUH Case?
In 2014, Philip Soh sued the National University Hospital (NUH), claiming negligence after a spine surgery left him partially paralysed. However, in 2021, the court dismissed his case.
As a result, Soh was ordered to pay over S$26,000 in outstanding hospital bills and more than S$237,000 in legal costs. With interest and other fees, his total debt to NUH came to approximately S$292,000.
NUH attempted to recover the amount and, in December 2024, filed a bankruptcy application against Soh. The High Court declared him bankrupt in February 2025.
However, just before the hearing, NUH learned that Soh had been staying in a nursing home since 2018 and was fully reliant on government subsidies through the Medical Fee Exemption Card. He had no income, no assets, and was medically unfit to work.
NUH immediately decided to withdraw their application on compassionate grounds, but their legal team could not be reached in time to stop the initial court proceedings. The bankruptcy order was later rescinded in April 2025.
What Is the Medical Fee Exemption Card (MFEC)?
The MFEC is a scheme that fully subsidises medical expenses for those who meet strict financial criteria.
To qualify, you must:
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Have savings of S$6,000 or less
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Have a monthly per capita household income of S$800 or less
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Be living in a public-funded nursing home, shelter, or disability home
If approved, your medical and long-term care costs are covered in full by the government.
Other Financial Assistance Schemes You Should Know
1. MediShield Life
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A basic health insurance for all Singaporeans and PRs
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Covers large hospital bills and costly outpatient treatments (e.g., dialysis, chemo)
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Automatically included for citizens, no one is excluded
2. Medifund
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Government’s safety net if you can’t afford care even after subsidies, MediSave, and MediShield
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Application through the hospital’s Medical Social Worker (MSW)
3. MediSave
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Your personal savings under CPF that can be used to pay for hospitalization, surgery, and certain outpatient treatments
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Family members can use their MediSave to help you too
4. Subsidies at Public Healthcare Institutions
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Based on your income level and type of ward (e.g., Ward C or B2)
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Higher subsidies for lower-income patients
What Patients Should Do If They Can’t Pay
1. Don’t ignore the bill.
Delaying action can lead to legal trouble or debt escalation.
2. Speak to a Medical Social Worker.
They can assess your situation and help apply for MFEC, Medifund, or other subsidies.
3. Don’t refuse to sign insurance claim forms.
In Mr. Soh’s case, NUH said he refused to sign MediShield claim authorisation, which may have delayed earlier help.
4. Provide updated financial documents.
Proof of income, savings, CPF, and housing status help determine your eligibility.
Compassion Can Happen But Don’t Count on It Alone
NUH said it withdrew the bankruptcy case on compassionate grounds, stating they didn’t want Mr. Soh to bear further burdens. But this was an exception, not the rule.
“While the rationale for the initial action remains valid, NUH carefully considered the circumstances and determined that this case warrants an alternative resolution,” said an NUH spokesperson.
Bottom Line: Help Is Out There, But You Have to Ask
Singapore has robust medical safety nets, but accessing them often depends on whether you ask for help early.
If you or someone you love is struggling to pay for care:
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Talk to a Medical Social Worker
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Apply for financial assistance schemes
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Use your MediShield and MediSave wisely
You don’t have to face it alone. And you shouldn’t wait until legal action is the only option left.
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