Singapore: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has lowered the fees for medical devices such as blood pressure monitors and hearing aids, brought in under the Special Authorisation Routes (SAR).

The HSA has lowered the fees to between S$150 and S$350 against the previous fees of S$500. Under SAR, licensed importers and healthcare professionals are allowed to import unregistered medical devices where there is a lack of registered alternatives. The HSA said on Thursday that the revised fees took effect on August 1.

The fee cut is part of the changes to the medical device regulatory framework announced earlier this year. This will ensure quicker access to devices for patients and a more effective way to manage regulatory costs.