The Singapore Veterinary Association (SVA) has welcomed the formation of the Veterinary Council, describing the move as a significant advancement for professional recognition, sector standards and public trust.
The Risk of Defensive Medicine
Despite the positive reception, the SVA has issued a warning regarding the recent complaint framework. There are concerns that it could encourage veterinarians to practice “defensive medicine” to protect themselves legally.
Dr Teo Boon Han, the association’s president, a veterinarian and pet nutritionist, noted that practitioners might order significantly more tests and procedures before treatment to cover all bases. He suggested that whereas a vet might previously perform one or two tests, they may now feel the need to conduct ten before a surgery.
Rising Operational Costs
Beyond the increase in diagnostics, Dr Teo warned that higher compliance and legal expenses could burden clinics. He indicated that business costs may rise as practitioners seek legal coverage or keep lawyers on retainer.
These added overheads could potentially push up the prices of routine procedures for pet owners. Dr Teo emphasized the need for caution to prevent the industry from becoming overly defensive.
Financial Constraints in Pet Care
The debate over regulation arrives as rising veterinary bills become a pressing issue for pet owners. Some, like Ms Kerrine Chan, have become more cost-conscious, prioritizing preventive care for their pets to avoid expensive future bills.
Ms Chan shared that she previously had to forego cancer treatment for her dog, Ruby, due to a S$12,000 (US$9,400) quote and the uncertainty of potential relapses. Ruby passed away six months later.
A Different Economic Model
Dr Teo highlighted a systemic stressor in the profession: the inability to provide a certain standard of care due to financial constraints. He noted that veterinarians are trained to help but are often limited by a client’s budget.
He argued that comparing animal healthcare to human healthcare is a false equivalence. Human medicine benefits from robust private insurance and government subsidies, whereas most veterinary clinics are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bearing the burden of a perceived public good.
Looking Ahead
To mitigate these risks, Dr Teo, who participated in the consultation process for the Council, stated that efforts are underway to ensure a balanced approach.
Ongoing engagements with the industry may help ensure that the final framework remains practical. Such steps are likely intended to minimize the impact on costs while maintaining professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the formation of the Veterinary Council considered a positive step?
The Singapore Veterinary Association believes it signals a major step forward in professional recognition, sector standards, and public trust.
What is “defensive medicine” in the context of veterinary care?
It refers to the practice of ordering more tests and procedures than may be strictly necessary before treatment to ensure all bases are covered and to protect the vet against potential complaints.
How does veterinary healthcare differ from human healthcare in Singapore?
Unlike human healthcare, which is supported by government subsidies and private insurance, most veterinary clinics operate as SMEs and lack these robust financial support systems.
Do you believe stricter professional regulation is worth the risk of potentially higher veterinary costs?
