Communicable Diseases Agency Bill

The Communicable Diseases Agency Bill aims to establish the Communicable Diseases Agency in Singapore with the following key provisions:

• The Agency is a body corporate tasked with preventing, managing, and controlling infectious diseases, with powers to implement policies, conduct research, and promote public health education.
• The Minister has oversight authority, including the power to appoint and remove members of the Agency, which will consist of 7 to 15 members, including a Chairperson and a Chief Executive.
• Provisions are included for the transfer of undertakings and personnel from the Ministry of Health and the Health Promotion Board to the Agency, ensuring continuity of service for employees.
• The Agency is granted financial and operational autonomy, including the ability to generate revenue, manage its accounts, and enter into contracts.
• The Bill also includes enforcement provisions, regulations, and transitional arrangements related to the establishment of the Agency and its functions.