Medical Screenings of Foreign Workers

Dr Lam Pin Min asked the Minister for Health (a) if he will give an update on the Ministry's investigation of the two clinics which provide medical examinations to foreign workers; and (b) what measures are put in place to ensure that medical screenings for foreign workers are conducted properly and professionally.

The medical screening of foreign workers is a requirement of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for pre-employment screening and renewal of work passes. Under this requirement, foreign workers are required to be certified by a medical professional to be fit for work.

My Ministry received a complaint in late December 2012 that foreign workers who were seen at two clinics were being certified as fit without being physically examined by a doctor. My Ministry is currently investigating the two medical clinics to establish if there were any lapses in the processes of the clinics that could constitute a breach of the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act.

Investigations are still on-going. Appropriate regulatory actions will be taken against the clinics if they are found to have breached the Private Hospital and Medical Clinics Act and relevant licensing conditions. The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) may also investigate and take actions against the doctors involved if there is evidence to suggest that they may have flouted the SMC's Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines.

MOH is working with the Ministry of Manpower to review and identify ways to improve the process of medical screening of foreign workers.

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