Methodist Co-op
aims to provide
affordable
medical care

Towards a Methodist healthcare ministry

By PATRICK KEE

THE Methodist Co-operative Society Ltd is introducing the Methodist Co-operative Healthcare Card (MCHC) scheme for members to see its panel of healthcare professionals. There will be a fixed schedule of fees and members will pay the healthcare professionals directly.

The Co-operative Society has drawn up an agreed schedule of fees and a system of control which is administratively simple and inexpensive to operate.
With the Methodist Co-operative Healthcare Card, the Co-operative Society hopes to provide affordable and cost-effective medical care to the Methodist community.


The card is now available to members of the Methodist Co-operative Society, members of Methodist churches, students and staff of Methodist schools; and staff of Methodist institutions and organisations.


This is valid for one year from the date of subscription and is renewable on a yearly basis. The cardholder is able to seek medical consultation and treatment under the agreed medical schedule of fees. The card is not transferable. The cost per card for Methodists is $5 and it is free for members of the Methodist Co-operative Society for this year.


One of the primary objectives of forming the Methodist Co-operative Society is to address the problem of rising cost of medical care in Singapore. A prepaid medical scheme was introduced but it failed because of poor response.


The Methodist community in Singapore is blessed with a wide base of professional expertise as well as business contacts. When pooled together, it has the potential to form one of the biggest medical group practices in Singapore.


The Methodist Co-operative Society's vision is to bring Methodist healthcare professionals together in closer fellowship so that they may see their work not just as another profession but also as a vocation to reach out to the sick with the love of God.


Said a spokesman: "We are here to make an impact upon society through the power of the Gospel and to bring about a change in the hearts of men."


Through co-operation and the sharing of their respective skills, Methodist healthcare professionals can give their fellow Methodists the best care and advice for their medical condition. Not only can they serve their fellow worshippers but they can also provide medical care to all the staff, students and teachers in the Methodist schools and organisations.

Dr Patrick Kee is Director, Medical Division, Methodist Co-operative Society. He is also the Associate Lay Leader of Trinity Annual Conference.

VISION
'The Methodist Co-operative Society's vision is to bring Methodist
healthcare professionals together in closer fellowship so that they may
see their work not just as another profession but also as a vocation to
reach out to the sick with the love of God.'