Singapore has officially banned people who haven't been vaccinated against the coronavirus from getting access to free healthcare.
The south-east Asian country has one of the most developed healthcare systems in the world and officials have drawn a line in the sand as they emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Singapore's Ministry Of Health said people who haven't received one of the approved Covid-19 vaccines 'by choice' are putting a strain on hospitals.
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The government body said these individuals are 'disproportionately' requiring intensive care and it's not fair on hospital staff when their sickness could have been prevented.
The country has seen a large surge in Covid-19 cases and intensive care units in hospitals across the country are slowly starting to fill up.
More than 90,000 people have tested positive for the virus in the past 28 days and the country recently recorded its 500th death since the pandemic began.
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More than 85 per cent people living in the country have received both doses of the vaccine and now Singapore has issued a warning to those who haven't got a jab yet.
The Ministry of Health wrote: "Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources.
"Hence, from 8 December 2021, we will begin charging COVID-19 patients who are unvaccinated by choice.
"This will apply to all unvaccinated COVID-19 patients admitted on or after 8 December 2021 to hospitals and CTFs. COVID-19 medical bills for those who are ineligible for vaccination will still be fully paid for by the government, i.e. children under 12 years old or medically ineligible persons.
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"COVID-19 patients who are unvaccinated by choice may still tap on regular healthcare financing arrangements to pay for their bills where applicable."
Since the pandemic began, Singapore has covered the hospital costs for all citizens, permanent residents or holders of a long-term work pass.
Officials knew if they didn't it could cause economic hardship on everyone and they obviously wanted to avoid that.
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But this altruism is set to expire at the beginning of next month.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained to The Straits Times their policy will hopefully push their vaccination rates up as those hesitant on the jab weigh up their future.
Despite the high number of recent cases, the country's Ministry of Health recently revealed they will be easing restrictions and will 'live' with Covid-19.
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