Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

13 Sep 2021

More Affordable Charges for Antigen Rapid Test Kits and Pre-Event Tests

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for Health to make Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits and Pre-Event Tests (PET) more affordable as testing increases in a COVID-19 endemic environment.
The Health Sciences Authority has approved six ART self-test kits for sale and is reviewing new kits, while 20 Quick Test Centres will offer appointments for ART tests from October 1 to meet PET requirements.
Increased access to tests through public and private providers is expected to make ART tests more competitively priced.

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13 Sep 2021

Data on COVID-19 Positive Persons Tested Serving Quarantine Orders at Home and Medical Treatment Provided to Them

The Ministry of Health reported that 40 individuals were allowed to serve quarantine orders at home under a pilot scheme starting 30 August 2021, with 15 discharged by 12 September 2021, as part of shifting to home recovery for most mild COVID-19 cases.
Home recovery is being expanded as the default for fully vaccinated individuals under 50 without significant co-morbidities, and for children aged 5–11 who are clinically assessed as fit, provided they can self-isolate safely at home.
Patients receive a Care Pack with a thermometer and pulse oximeter to self-monitor vital signs and symptoms, with instructions on escalating to telemedicine or emergency services if needed, to reduce hospitalisations.

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13 Sep 2021

Waiting Times for Patients at Institute of Mental Health Given Current Refurbishment Works

The Institute of Mental Health’s refurbishment is ongoing but has not affected clinic operations or appointment waiting times, with median waits of 29 days for psychiatrists and 18 days for clinical psychologists for new subsidised patients in 2020, compared to 22 and 14 days respectively in 2019.
IMH does not track waiting times specifically for counsellors as counselling is often integrated into the roles of other healthcare professionals and social workers.
Measures to reduce waiting times include optimising appointment slots through staff schedule reviews, pre-appointment calls to fill cancellations, teleconference therapy for suitable patients, and referring non-urgent cases to primary or community care.
The Ministry of Health will continue collaborating with IMH and community providers to ensure timely and holistic mental healthcare support.

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13 Sep 2021

Number of Patient-days of Medical Oxygen Supplies Currently Available and Singapore's Oxygen Manufacturing Capacity

Gerald Giam asked about the current supply of medical oxygen for patients and whether Singapore's manufacturing capacity can meet a rapid increase in demand.
Ong Ye Kung stated that Singapore has about 6,000 patient-days of medical oxygen available.
He also confirmed that the supply can be replenished within a day if needed.

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13 Sep 2021

Claim Limits for Cancer Treatment and Expected Savings Under MediShield Life Changes Effective From September 2022

Existing cancer patients can claim under the current MediShield Life scheme until the new changes take effect in September 2022.
The new scheme aims to slow the rise in cancer drug costs by enabling better negotiations with suppliers and promoting cost-effective treatments.
Savings cannot be accurately estimated if drug prices remain constant, as the changes are expected to reduce prices, with recent reductions already averaging 30% and over 60% for some drugs.

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13 Sep 2021

Non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Currently under Evaluation by HSA for Use in Singapore and Expected Timeline for Release of These Alternatives

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health about the non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines under evaluation by HSA and their expected release timelines.
Ong Ye Kung stated Singapore is securing a diverse vaccine portfolio, including non-mRNA options like Sinovac's inactivated vaccine and Novavax's protein-based vaccine, with approval timelines dependent on company applications and data availability.
MOH and HSA are collaborating with manufacturers to facilitate regulatory submissions, and two non-mRNA vaccines are currently available in Singapore via the Special Access Route.

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13 Sep 2021

Statistics on Medically Eligible Pregnant Women who Received mRNA Vaccination and Side Effects Observed

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about the proportion of medically eligible pregnant women in Singapore who have received mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, the types and frequencies of side effects observed, and how this compares with other countries.
The Health Sciences Authority reported a small number of non-serious adverse events in pregnant women receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, including rash, fainting, dizziness, and one case of temporary Bell’s Palsy, similar to effects in the general population.
There is currently no evidence of safety concerns for mRNA vaccines in pregnant women based on real-world data, and ongoing monitoring of local and international safety data is being conducted.

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13 Sep 2021

Expected Completion and Implementation of the National Mental Health Competency Framework

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked when the National Mental Health Competency Framework will be completed and implemented.
The COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce recommended developing a framework to align mental health training standards for professionals and para-professionals.
The new Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being has accepted this recommendation and will work on further details.
More information will be provided when the framework is ready for implementation.

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13 Sep 2021

Third Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine for Those Who are Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry for Health to assess the US CDC’s recommendation for moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals to receive a third mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose.
The Ministry of Health has agreed with the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination’s recommendation to administer a third vaccine dose to immunocompromised individuals.
The third dose will be rolled out starting 14 September 2021 at Vaccination Centres, hospitals, and Specialist Outpatient Clinics under the national vaccination programme.

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13 Sep 2021

Hospitalisation Visitation Guidelines under COVID-19 Endemic Model and Whether Exceptions Can Be Made for Patients in Critical Condition

Yip Hon Weng questioned the hospital visitation guidelines under the COVID-19 endemic model and asked if exceptions could be made for critically ill patients, especially for fully vaccinated visitors willing to wear protective gear.
Ong Ye Kung emphasized the need to protect patients and staff from COVID-19, noting past hospital clusters and the risk infections brought by visitors.
From August 19, 2021, unvaccinated visitors must provide a negative ART or PCR test within 24 hours, while vaccinated visitors can enter without testing due to lower transmission risk.
Visits are limited to 30 minutes, with up to two visitors per patient (one at bedside) and up to five visitors for very ill patients (two at bedside), all requiring masks, no eating or drinking, and avoiding patient beds and toilets.
The Ministry of Health will monitor hospital exposure risks and adjust visitation policies as Singapore transitions to the COVID-19 endemic stage.

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13 Sep 2021

Private Medical Service Providers that Applied for Importation of COVID-19 Vaccines Not Approved by WHO

Mr Gan Thiam Poh inquired whether any private medical service providers have applied to import COVID-19 vaccines not approved by the WHO.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that no such applications from private providers have been received to date.
The response specifies that only WHO-approved inactivated virus vaccines have been considered for import by private entities.
The debate highlights the current regulatory alignment with WHO guidelines for vaccine importation by private providers.

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13 Sep 2021

Number of Short-term Visit Pass Holders Who Recently Entered and Are Staying in Singapore and Availability of COVID-19 Vaccination for Them

From April to June 2021, over 30,000 short-term visit pass holders entered Singapore, with nearly 17,000 still in the country as of August 30, 2021.
The vaccination status of these individuals is not available, as no breakdown was provided.
COVID-19 vaccination has been extended to short-term visit pass holders who have been in Singapore for at least 60 continuous days, effective August 18, 2021.

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13 Sep 2021

Mothers Diagnosed with Post-natal Depression in Past Three Years

Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Health about the number of mothers diagnosed with post-natal depression in the past three years and how many were first-time parents.
From 2018 to 2020, an average of about 290 women per year sought care for post-natal depression at public hospitals.
Approximately one-third of these women were first-time mothers.
The data is based on available figures from public hospitals for the specified period.
The response provides a numerical summary without further policy details.

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13 Sep 2021

Plans to Reduce Stigma against Students Seeking Psychological Help from School Counsellors

The Ministry of Education uses a multi-pronged approach to reduce stigma, including integrating mental health education into the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum to teach students about common issues, seeking help, and empathy.
School counsellors create a private, safe environment and engage students proactively during school activities, conduct talks to raise awareness, and involve parents in sessions to promote well-being.
Anonymous support options are available for students, such as online portals like Tinkle Friend and SOS, and face-to-face help from family service centres or private counselling centres with parental consent for those under 21.

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13 Sep 2021

Extending COVID-19 Vaccinations to Seafarers Joining and Signing Off Ships in Singapore Waters

The debate centered on whether to extend COVID-19 vaccinations to foreign seafarers joining and signing off ships in Singapore waters to support Singapore's role as an international maritime center.
The Minister for Transport outlined the SEAVAX Initiative, which from August 2021 offers vaccinations to eligible non-resident foreign sea crew who are working in Singapore for extended periods or engaged in essential services.
Efforts are underway with industry partners to integrate vaccinations into the crew change process for transient seafarers, who already follow strict isolation and testing protocols.
Vaccination will prioritize seafarers signing on to vessels due to their higher risk of exposure during long voyages, while those signing off will return to their home countries for vaccination.
The initiative aims to enhance global supply chain resilience and aligns with International Maritime Organisation efforts to establish a global seaport vaccination network.

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13 Sep 2021

Proposal for Review of Penalties for Illegal Massage and Karaoke Outlet Operations with a View to Make Jail Sentences Mandatory

Yip Hon Weng asked if the government will review penalties for illegal massage and karaoke outlets to make jail sentences mandatory and enhance legislation to treat healthcare rule flouting as a serious crime.
K Shanmugam responded that penalties must balance deterrence and proportionality, and courts should retain discretion on jail terms under existing laws like the Massage Establishments Act.
He noted that non-compliance with COVID-19 rules is already punishable with fines, imprisonment, or both, with repeat offenders facing heavier penalties, and that jail sentences have been imposed for egregious violations during the pandemic.

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13 Sep 2021

Profile of Persons Not Yet Inoculated with COVID-19 Vaccine

As of 5 September 2021, about 17% of Singapore's population (approximately 930,000 people) remained unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Over half of the unvaccinated are children under 12 who are not yet eligible for vaccination, while the remainder includes around 100,000 seniors aged 60 and above and an estimated 300,000 individuals aged 12 to 59.
A small group of about 1,000 individuals with prior allergic reactions to other vaccines are being assessed by specialists for potential vaccination eligibility.

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13 Sep 2021

Number of People Developing Severe Allergic Reactions after First Dose of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine and Advised Not to Proceed with Second Dose

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health about the number of people who had severe allergic reactions after the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose, those advised not to take the second dose, and their vaccination plan.
As of 10 September 2021, 47 people were reported with anaphylaxis after the first mRNA vaccine dose, and all are unsuited for subsequent mRNA doses.
These individuals are offered Sinovac-CoronaVac in public hospitals to complete their vaccinations or may wait for other non-mRNA vaccines expected later in the year or early next year.

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13 Sep 2021

Current Upfront and Monthly Cost to Households for Hiring of Foreign Domestic Workers

The Minister for Manpower stated that the median upfront cost to hire a new migrant domestic worker is about $7,000, which includes SHN and COVID-19 test fees, agency service fees, and other administrative costs, and this cost has increased mainly due to mandatory SHN requirements.
Average monthly salaries for migrant domestic workers have risen, with overseas hires averaging $590 and transfer hires averaging $630 as of end-2020, compared to pre-pandemic figures of $570 and $610 respectively.
To mitigate costs, employers can use economy hotels or shared rooms for SHN at reduced rates, appeal for SHN cost waivers based on financial circumstances, and share SHN costs when transferring a worker between employers.
Due to ongoing border controls, priority is given to households with urgent caregiving needs, and alternatives such as part-time domestic services under the Household Services Scheme or subsidised childcare and eldercare facilities are encouraged.

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13 Sep 2021

Addressing Findings in Survey that Showed Top Stressors for Youths are Anxiety over Future and over Finances

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, together with the National Youth Council, acknowledged youths' anxiety over the future and finances as top stressors and outlined a range of government measures to support them, including job placement schemes, financial grants, and mental well-being initiatives across schools, workplaces, and the community.
To address financial and career concerns, over 110,000 locals were placed into jobs and development opportunities under the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, with additional support through programmes like YouthTech and Youth Corps Internship Scheme, alongside COVID-19 financial grants for affected youths.
Mental wellness support is being enhanced across life stages, including training teachers and hiring school counsellors, establishing peer support structures in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning, and providing workplace guidance via the Tripartite Advisory and iWorkHealth tool.
Community and online initiatives include campaigns like "Brave the New," resources on Youthopia, peer support networks through Youth Corps Singapore, and partnerships with tech companies to promote digital safety and mental health awareness.
The government has established an Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being to develop a national action plan, with MCCY collaborating with other ministries to coordinate efforts and engage community partners in supporting youths' mental wellness.

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