I REFER to the letter, 'Doc shortage: Why didn't we see it early?', on Monday and agree with the sentiments expressed.

My eldest son is now studying medicine overseas. My financial burden during these trying times would have been far less had the Health Ministry increased the local university intake a little more early, taking into consideration Singapore's long-term needs.

My son did not secure a place to study medicine at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and his second choice also was not really a choice.

Therefore, he was forced to seek a place in a foreign university to pursue his dream.

Now, he is studying medicine together with five other school mates at the same overseas university. All of them had passed the A levels with distinction but were rejected by NUS.

Besides allocating more seats for medicine at NUS, perhaps the Government should also consider reimbursing part of the expenses of medical students who are already overseas, taking into account the financial sacrifice made by middle-income parents when times are tough.

Steven Chong