Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

13 Sep 2021

Support for Singaporeans Living Abroad in Countries with Limited Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations

Leon Perera questioned the vaccination status of staff in Singapore’s overseas missions and the support for Singaporeans abroad facing limited COVID-19 vaccine access.
Vivian Balakrishnan confirmed that nearly all mission staff are vaccinated, with one officer due to complete vaccination by November 2021.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot vaccinate Singaporeans overseas due to medical and legal constraints but seeks foreign government cooperation to include them in local programs.
For returnees, Singapore offers dedicated vaccination options allowing one dose during transit or SHN and the second dose afterward, minimizing quarantine time.
The government is exploring ways to make vaccination more convenient for overseas Singaporeans when they return to Singapore.

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13 Sep 2021

Additional Precautions for Preschools, Childcare Centres and Kindergartens to Prevent COVID-19 Clusters

Ms Joan Pereira questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development on whether additional precautions would be taken at preschools, childcare centres, and kindergartens to ensure greater safety for staff and children amid updated COVID-19 measures.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M affirmed that the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has evolved strict safe management measures, including restricting access for higher-risk individuals, emphasizing personal and environmental hygiene, and cohorting children and staff to limit movement across groups.
The Minister announced a "Vaccinate or Regular Test" regime for all preschool staff from 1 October 2021, requiring unvaccinated staff to undergo twice-weekly Antigen Rapid Test (ART), alongside surveillance testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status.
To facilitate regular testing and self-monitoring, three ART kits will be distributed to each preschool staff and child from mid-September, enabling quick testing in case of exposure or symptoms, and promoting personal responsibility in health monitoring.
The measures will be continuously reviewed in line with the national posture to safeguard the health of preschool staff and children, emphasizing collective effort and vigilance from the preschool community and parents.

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13 Sep 2021

Consistent Enforcement Standards by Safe Distancing Ambassadors for Gyms, Fitness Centres and Sports Facilities

Safe distancing enforcement officers are appointed under the Infectious Diseases Act and authorized to issue warnings, fines, and prosecute breaches, with all officers trained and briefed on current regulations before deployment.
Officers are regularly updated on safe management measures via mobile devices and deployed in teams with experienced members to provide guidance, having conducted over 47,000 inspections since the circuit breaker period.
Sport Singapore holds townhalls and briefings to explain regulations and address operational concerns, continuing engagement with the sporting community to ensure compliance and cooperation.

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13 Sep 2021

Children's ICU Surge Capacity and Scale-up Rate at Singapore's Public Health Institutions

Tan Wu Meng asked about the number of public healthcare institutions with children's ICUs, their current and surge capacities, scaling speed, and the count of trained medical staff.
Ong Ye Kung responded that only KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital and National University Hospital have paediatric ICU capacity, with 32 beds in 2021 and the ability to add 20 more beds within a week if needed.
He also stated that no local paediatric COVID-19 cases have required ICU care so far, and there are 16 accredited paediatric intensivists and 163 trained or experienced nurses across both hospitals.

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13 Sep 2021

Denial of MediShield Life Claims Due To Non-disclosure of Minor Unrelated Health Conditions

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health about the number of MediShield Life claims denied in the last three years due to non-disclosure of minor unrelated health conditions and the recourse available for aggrieved policyholders.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that MediShield Life does not deny claims for non-disclosure of health conditions, as it provides universal and lifelong coverage, including for pre-existing conditions, and the question may relate to private Integrated Shield Plans.
Integrated Shield Plan claims are assessed by private insurers based on contractual terms, and while the government does not track denials for minor unrelated non-disclosure, insurers are expected to be fair and reasonable in their assessments.
Policyholders who believe their claims were unfairly rejected can seek resolution through mediation or adjudication at the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC), and the Ministry of Health is establishing a Clinical Claims Resolution Process for clinical disputes.

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13 Sep 2021

Awarding of Grades to Students who Miss National Examinations Due To COVID-19 Quarantine Order

The Ministry of Education and Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board have updated examination arrangements to include ART and PCR testing for students on Leave of Absence, with a study break for graduating cohorts to reduce transmission risk.
Students who miss national examinations due to COVID-19 quarantine can apply for special consideration, which uses an evidence-based approach to project grades based on their performance in other papers and the school cohort’s results.
Make-up examinations will be provided for oral assessments but not for written papers, as this would lengthen the examination period and disrupt downstream processes like marking and results release.

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13 Sep 2021

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Fundraising for Charities

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted charity operations, causing cancellations of fundraising events and reduced volunteer opportunities, even as demand for social and health services increased, leading to uneven donation distribution across sectors despite overall resilience and adaptation through online fundraising.
Tax-deductible donations to IPCs remained stable at around $1.01 billion in 2020 compared to $1.02 billion in 2019, while online platforms like Giving.sg saw donations surge to $102 million, a 155% increase, driven largely by growth in social welfare, health, and community sectors.
The government introduced multiple initiatives to support charities, including extended tax deductions, matching grant programmes, and digital transformation resources, alongside ground-up efforts like the #GiveYour600 campaign and the Singapore Strong Fund to encourage giving and address pandemic needs.
Efforts such as the #SGUnited Portal, Invictus Fund, and Tech-and-Go! hub were launched to centralize donation opportunities, marshal private donations, and accelerate digitalisation, aiming to enhance fundraising capabilities and ensure funds reach sectors most affected by the pandemic.
Charities are urged to leverage available grants and digital tools to transform operations and adapt to the new normal, with continued government partnership to help them emerge stronger and promote more equitable and effective charitable giving in the future.

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13 Sep 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Status Check Via SafeEntry (Business) App

Joan Pereira asked if the government can assist businesses in setting up the SafeEntry (Business) App to check visitors' COVID-19 vaccination status, especially for elderly using TraceTogether tokens.
Josephine Teo confirmed that businesses can use the SafeEntry (Business) App for vaccination and test status checks, with visitors using TT App or tokens for verification.
Over 70% of businesses have already set up the app, and step-by-step guides, hands-on assistance, and technical support are available for those needing help.

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13 Sep 2021

Assessment of Reports on Fake Vaccination Certificates

The Ministry of Health and Smart Nation Office have developed digital tools, like the SafeEntry Business App, for businesses to verify vaccination statuses directly with government databases to prevent forgery.
Businesses can check for fake certificates by looking for specific app features, such as animations or refresh buttons, and by matching personal details on the HealthHub app with government-issued IDs.
Individuals with overseas vaccinations must provide proof and undergo a serology test to have their status updated in the official apps, ensuring only verified certificates are displayed.
Enforcement teams will monitor compliance, and individuals found misrepresenting their vaccination status may face criminal prosecution.

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13 Sep 2021

Support for Persons Unable to Pay for Stays at SHN-Dedicated Facilities and COVID-19 Tests

Since January 2021, all incoming travellers must pay for their Stay-Home Notice facility and testing fees, with cost waivers available for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and non-residents facing financial difficulties on a case-by-case basis.
Between January and July 2021, the government received about 10,000 waiver appeals, representing around 6% of travellers who stayed at dedicated facilities, and approved roughly half of these appeals after assessing financial need and travel circumstances.
The policy shift places the cost of travel as a private expense, consistent with international practices, while still providing support for those with genuine financial difficulties and extenuating reasons for travel.

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13 Sep 2021

Number of Residents Registered for Sinovac Vaccine under Special Access Route and Implication for Residents who Choose non-mRNA Vaccines for Non-medical Reasons

Minister Ong Ye Kung addressed two parliamentary questions regarding the Sinovac vaccine registration numbers and access to non-mRNA vaccines.
He confirmed that 3,900 residents who were allergic to mRNA vaccines were allocated Sinovac doses from MOH’s reserved stock to complete their vaccinations.
A total of 170,000 Sinovac doses were distributed via the Special Access Route, covering about 1.5% of the population.
Private clinics temporarily suspended new Sinovac appointments due to depleted stocks, but new supplies are expected around 20 September.
The government is studying heterologous booster strategies using non-mRNA vaccines, which would be provided free if implemented.

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13 Sep 2021

Proposal for Fully mRNA Vaccinated Persons to be Additionally Inoculated with Sinovac Vaccine for Essential Travel

The Ministry of Health considers persons fully vaccinated with mRNA vaccines under the national programme as protected and does not currently recommend additional doses.
The safety of receiving two different vaccine regimens is not established, and allowing additional Sinovac doses for travel raises allocation and fairness concerns.
Priority for limited Sinovac supplies should go to unvaccinated individuals waiting for vaccination, rather than to fully vaccinated persons seeking extra shots for travel.

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13 Sep 2021

Addressing Demand by Households for Migrant Domestic Workers After Delays Caused by COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

MPs Joan Pereira and Chua Kheng Wee Louis raised concerns about urgent caregiving needs and requested statistics on migrant domestic worker (MDW) entry approvals, pending applications, processing durations, and the impact of COVID-19 endemic transition.
From September 2020 to April 2021, about 3,300 MDWs entered monthly, but entries dropped to around 800 per month from May to August 2021 due to tightened measures against COVID-19 importation risks.
The Ministry of Manpower is prioritizing MDW entries for families with challenging caregiving needs and has initiated a small-scale pilot program with the Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore) to test additional safe management measures.
The pilot program, started in July 2021, is being monitored for effectiveness; if successful, it could be scaled up to allow more MDWs to enter safely amid ongoing COVID-19 variants and vaccination considerations.
Singapore's transition to an endemic status requires careful border reopening, with adjustments based on pandemic control in source countries and vaccine effectiveness, to facilitate MDW entry while protecting public health.

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13 Sep 2021

Incidences of Police Access to Contact Tracing Data Allowed Under Seventh Schedule of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act

Leong Mun Wai asked if the Singapore Police Force accessed contact tracing data for investigations between February and August 2021, and if so, for which serious offences under the Seventh Schedule of the Act.
K Shanmugam responded that the police did not access contact tracing data for investigations during that period.
The exchange focused on transparency and legal boundaries regarding the use of pandemic-related data for law enforcement.
The debate highlighted concerns about privacy and the scope of emergency measures in Singapore.

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13 Sep 2021

Protocols for Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers Executing Search on Premises Without Warrant

Miss Rachel Ong inquired about whether Safe Distancing Enforcement Officers (EOs) must wear body cameras during warrantless searches and what protocols exist to ensure proper identification, occupant safety, and prevention of power abuse.
Grace Fu Hai Yien clarified that EOs do not conduct random home checks and follow strict protocols, such as responding to substantiated feedback or external signs, before entering.
EOs must engage occupants, show both EO and corporate staff passes, explain their intent, and will be progressively equipped with body-worn cameras during home checks.

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13 Sep 2021

Impact of Deferment in In-Camp Training and Suspension of Individual Physical Proficiency Tests on NSMen's Operational Readiness

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the Ministry’s plans to maintain NSmen’s operational readiness and fitness amid deferments during COVID-19 Phase Two (Heightened Alert), and whether ICT could be extended until next year due to work and business challenges.
Minister Ng Eng Hen responded that ICTs are essential for SAF readiness and will continue with stringent testing and safe management measures; less essential training may be deferred during heightened restrictions, but critical units maintained operations.
The SAF introduced the NS FIT programme, including virtual FIT@Home sessions, to help NSmen stay fit when physical activities were suspended, and these initiatives were well received.
Prolonged disruptions would impact readiness, so ICTs and fitness activities resumed after restrictions eased, supported by high vaccination rates, safe management, and weekly testing; NSmen needing deferments can approach their unit commanders for assistance.

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13 Sep 2021

Rostered Routine Testing for Members of Parliament

Dr Tan Yia Swam proposed Rostered Routine Testing for MPs during home visits, Meet-the-People sessions, and Parliamentary Sittings.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that RRT is mandated for high-risk groups but encouraged voluntary self-testing for all Singaporeans as a social responsibility.
MOH and the Speaker of Parliament agreed that MPs will undergo supervised self-tests before each Parliamentary Sitting to set a good example.
The Minister noted that MPs meeting many residents can help protect themselves and others through regular testing.
The policy focuses on encouraging voluntary testing for MPs rather than mandating it for all their activities.

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13 Sep 2021

Feedback on Restaurants Refusing Entry for Dining-in to Unvaccinated Individuals who have Presented Negative COVID-19 Test Results

Leong Mun Wai inquired whether the Ministry of Health had received feedback on restaurants denying entry to unvaccinated individuals with negative COVID-19 test results under the PET regime and what actions were being taken to ensure acceptance of such verification.
Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the question and stated he would provide a combined reply on 14 September 2021.
The debate highlighted concerns about the implementation of pre-event testing requirements and potential inconsistencies in how restaurants apply verification rules.
No immediate policy changes or enforcement measures were announced during this exchange.
The discussion underscored the need for clarity and compliance with testing protocols for unvaccinated diners.

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13 Sep 2021

Conditions To Be Met For Existing Vaccinated-differentiated Safe Management Measures To Be Lifted

Mr Leong Mun Wai inquired about the remaining conditions needed to lift vaccinated-differentiated safe management measures, noting Singapore's 80% vaccination rate.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung thanked the member and promised a combined reply on 14 September 2021.
The debate highlighted concerns about the timeline and criteria for easing restrictions as vaccination targets were met.

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13 Sep 2021

Update on COVID-19 Vaccination of Pregnant Women

Member Darryl David inquired about the current status of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women and the support offered to those with concerns.
Minister Ong Ye Kung acknowledged the question and stated he would provide a combined response on 14 September 2021.
The debate focused on ensuring pregnant women receive clear information and counselling regarding vaccination safety.
The government committed to addressing public concerns through timely and coordinated updates.

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