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First Eczema Fund in Singapore

Asthma and Allergy Association of Singapore

I’ve always been passionate about helping children with eczema, particularly those from low income families. For the low income, they may not be active online and thus, may not benefit from my blog, my children book or my support group mailing group. Thus, I’ve specially designed 2012 calendars for distribution in hospitals and also make sure that I’m available to meet every two months at convenient and inexpensive locations. NOW, finally, the eczema fund has started and can directly help the low income with their eczema treatment!

FAQ on Eczema Financial Assistance Scheme

1. How did it get started?

There’s no eczema fund in Singapore and in July 2011, I got to know Dr Liew, President of Asthma Association (AA), through Chris who’s running a blog for parents with allergy kids.  I indicated to Dr Liew that I’d like to subsidize the cost of moisturizers for low income children with eczema but I haven’t found a suitable organization to administer the money. The AA is founded in 1993 by doctors and has in place a fund to help low income asthma patients. Dr Liew sought approval from the executive committee and got approval in September 2011 for the go-ahead of the eczema fund.

2. How can it help Eczema patients?

The fund will subsidize treatment for low income eczema patients, and is currently extended to include adults. From January 2012, patients who are Singapore citizen/permanent resident with eczema (only) confirmed by dermatologist can work with the hospital’s medical social worker to apply for the fund. The patient must be seeking treatment at public hospitals and has explored government medical assistance schemes before applying for the fund.

The fund can help subsidize the cost of treatment that includes topical creams and moisturizers. I imagine this will be a great relief for low income, particularly when moisturizers are not cheap (and not paid for by government). Whenever I think of a child who itches so much, scratches so much yet unable to get the treatment he/she needs, my heart aches. Morevoer, if the parent is uneducated, it’s unlikely to know that the child is really suffering and not scratching cos naughty.

3. When does it start?

It already started! I’ve donated the seed money for the fund and anyone interested to do so can email cheque to:

“Asthma and Allergy Association” (also payable to)

14 Robinson Road
# 13-00 Far East Finance Building
Singapore 048545

Indicate Eczema Fund at back of cheque, as the association has another fund for asthma.

If you’ve done so, will you drop a comment here so that I’ll know or email me at mommarcie[at]gmail.com; a BIG THANK YOU from Marcie & me!

Your sharing will help others!