Debated in Parliament on 4 Sep 2020.
Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) since 27 March 2020, how many visitors have been allowed into Singapore for medical treatment; (b) how many of their family members have been permitted to enter Singapore; and (c) what is the breakdown of the countries that these visitors come from.
For the five months since 27 March 2020, 303 foreign patients on short-term visitor pass and 260 accompanying caregivers have been approved to enter Singapore for medical treatment. Of these, 183 foreign patients had entered Singapore and 147 brought along a caregiver.
These are mostly existing patients cared for by medical specialists in Singapore who need active follow up, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy and patients with renal diseases who require continuing care. Approved patients can bring along one accompanying caregiver if required. Foreign patients and accompanying caregivers need to test negative for COVID-19 in their home countries before departure. They will be tested again on arrival in Singapore and are subjected to the prevailing Stay-Home-Notice requirements.
The majority of foreign patients are from Indonesia, followed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Philippines.
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