According to DBS Bank, currently around one in five consumers pay their healthcare bills via cash or cheque.
However, there are hopes that this would change, with a new initiative that will see the bank helping the National Healthcare Group (NHG), National University Health System (NUHS), and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) adopt a universal QR code by the end of 2020.
Called the Singapore Quick Response Code, or SGQR, this will enable consumers pay for their healthcare bills at public polyclinics, hospitals, and specialist centres by simply scanning a QR code and typing in the bill reference number.
To make payment, consumers will be able to pay with any banking apps, Grab app, or Singtel Dash app.
Said Raof Latiff, head of digital, institutional banking for DBS Bank: “With Singapore’s ageing population, having an easy-to-use digital payment method like SGQR is a progressive step to encourage wider e-payment adoption across various age demographics.”
“In particular, SGQR will be helpful for elderly patients who wish to learn to be more digitally-savvy as all they have to do now, is to look out for one QR code at the counter or in their paper bills to make payment through their mobile phones instantly – saving them the hassle of shuffling through loose notes and coins, or issue cheques to make payment.”
SGQR will be first launched across 27 public hospitals, polyclinics, and specialist centres with effect from Monday.
