Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2021.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health what mental health support is there for frontline individuals such as taxi and private-hire car drivers or nurses and doctors who may repeatedly be exposed to Quarantine Orders (QO) especially at dedicated QO facilities instead of at home.
The well-being of our frontline workers, who are crucial in our fight against COVID-19, is an important priority for the Government and our tripartite partners. At the workplace, transport operators and public healthcare institutions (PHIs) support workers through initiatives such as the formation of driver relations team among taxi and private hire car (PHC) operators, as well as implementation of peer support programmes for healthcare workers, respectively. Within these groups, frontline workers are able to voice out mental health concerns and seek support to cope with stress. Supervisors in both the healthcare and transport settings also closely monitor the wellbeing of frontline workers. Where necessary, workers may be referred for counselling services if they require further support.
In addition, the Government also works with PHIs and transport operators to conduct training sessions to better equip frontline workers and their supervisors in promoting positive mental well-being. For example, HPB collaborated with transport operators and unions to organise mental well-being workshops for over 4,000 transport workers and leaders. Similarly, the PHIs have rolled out stress management training, to help staff cope with stressful situations. Frontline workers can also tap on mental health resources such as Mindline.sg, as well as national and community-based hotlines which are available to the broader public, if they require further support and assistance.
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