Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

26 Jul 2021

Statistics on Suicides and Attempted Suicides by Age Group in Past Five Years and Programmes and Funds Dedicated to Prevention and Promoting Awareness

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Health for suicide and attempted suicide statistics by age group over the past five years and details of programmes and funds for suicide prevention and awareness in 2021.
The Minister responded that annual suicide cases by age group are publicly released by the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority, with a summary provided in Table 1, and that attempted suicide was decriminalized in 2020, with police-attended cases summarized in Table 2.
Suicide prevention involves health, social, and education sectors focusing on building resilience, encouraging help-seeking, supporting at-risk groups, and providing crisis support, with over $28 million in government and community funds allocated in Financial Year 2020.

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26 Jul 2021

Referral of Vulnerable Pregnant Women by Medical Personnel to Avenues for Support and Assistance During and Post-pregnancy

Medical personnel are legally required to report suspected offences like abuse or sexual assault, and are ethically bound to refer patients to appropriate support services they cannot address.
Pregnant women with identified needs receive psychosocial support and are routinely referred to medical social workers, care coordinators, and community services as part of obstetric care.
Several programmes and initiatives, such as ProPEL, KidSTART, Safe Place, and Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support, provide tailored assistance including home visits, therapy, temporary shelter, and counselling for vulnerable pregnant women and new mothers.

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26 Jul 2021

Update and Details of Home-based COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Take-up Rate among Seniors and Plans to Manage COVID-19 as Endemic Disease

Tin Pei Ling inquired about the current status of the home-based COVID-19 vaccination programme, the number of senior recipients, and its potential effectiveness in encouraging senior vaccination.
Joan Pereira suggested enlisting volunteer nurses to collaborate with grassroots volunteers for house-to-house engagement to boost vaccination rates among seniors.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed routine public release of aggregate statistics like Reproduction Number, variant case counts, and source of imported cases as COVID-19 is managed as an endemic disease.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Minister for Health had already addressed these questions in a Ministerial Statement on 26 July 2021.

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26 Jul 2021

Government Expenditure on Each Elderly Person Cared for in Nursing Homes or Other Residential Care Facilities

Ms. Carrie Tan asked the Minister for Health about the monthly and annual government expenditure on each elderly person in nursing homes or other residential care facilities, including staff salaries, hygiene consumables, and other care-related costs.
In 2020, the government provided approximately S$349 million in subsidies to 13,850 nursing home residents.
This amounts to an average of S$2,100 per month or S$25,200 per year spent on each subsidised nursing home resident.

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26 Jul 2021

Myocarditis Incidences Linked to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines and Approval of Alternative non-mRNA Vaccines

Dr Lim Wee Kiak inquired about the number of myocarditis cases linked to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore, the most affected age groups, and any cases among SAF and Police cohorts.
He also asked about the Sinovac vaccine's take-up rate, adverse reactions, plans for future purchases due to data gaps, and reviews of alternative non-mRNA vaccines like Novavax.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that these matters were addressed in a Ministerial Statement on 26 July 2021.

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26 Jul 2021

Measures to Encourage Singaporeans to Patronise Hawkers and Creation of Platforms to Support Hawkers in Need

Christopher de Souza asked how to continue encouraging Singaporeans to patronise hawkers amid the pandemic and competition from food delivery apps, and whether more platforms can be created to support hawkers in need, especially among young people.
Grace Fu highlighted government support including rental waivers and subsidies for cleaning services, as well as efforts to maintain hygiene standards in hawker centres through increased cleaning and safe management measures by patrons.
NEA has formed an Alliance for Action with stakeholders like IMDA and delivery companies to help hawkers adopt food delivery services and boost their online presence through both digital and offline initiatives.

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26 Jul 2021

Calls by International Maritime Organisation to Provide Vaccination Services for Foreign Seafarers

The Ministry for Transport supports the International Maritime Organization’s call to provide vaccination services for foreign seafarers to enhance maritime safety and supply chain resilience.
Vaccination will initially be offered to foreign crew arriving in Singapore for crew changes, under strict protocols that minimize public health risks, but not directly on board visiting vessels at this stage.
The Singapore government, working with industry partners, will review the possibility of extending vaccination services to other categories of international seafarers in the future.

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26 Jul 2021

Plans on Incorporating Vaccination Status Information into Singpass Record

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned if vaccination status could be integrated into the Singpass record for broader recognition, rather than being limited to TraceTogether or HealthHub apps.
The Prime Minister's representative clarified that a digital vaccination certificate is already accessible via the Singpass app's Inbox and can be requested through the Notarise website.
The certificate, issued by the Ministry of Health, is designed to facilitate international travel and recognition, with Singapore actively discussing mutual recognition agreements with other countries.

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26 Jul 2021

Different Concentration and Formulation in Different Batches of Oral Morphine Syrup and other Medications

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned why certain batches of oral morphine syrup were procured with different concentrations and ethanol content, and raised concerns about error risks for caregivers and access to ethanol-free alternatives.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that the previously registered 1mg/ml morphine syrup was discontinued in 2019, leading to the procurement of Oramorph 2mg/ml syrup containing ethanol as the only available alternative at the time.
The Ministry advised doctors to offer non-alcohol-based analgesics for patients unable to take ethanol, and has since procured a non-ethanol morphine syrup (Ra-morph 1mg/ml) for public healthcare institutions.
All formulations are clearly labelled, and healthcare teams educate patients and caregivers on medication differences and assist in switching formulations when needed.
The Ministry continues to monitor and ensure safe medication practices to minimize errors and accommodate patient preferences.

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26 Jul 2021

Implications of Claims-based Health Insurance Pricing on Older Policyholders and Those who Choose to Move to Public Healthcare System

Mariam Jaafar sought to understand how older policyholders and those with pre-existing conditions are protected under claims-based health insurance pricing, and asked for data on how many Integrated Shield Plan holders have switched to MediShield Life and moved to the public system.
Ong Ye Kung explained that claims-based pricing is an optional feature in private rider plans with co-payments, and that all Singaporeans are covered by the lifelong, pre-existing condition-inclusive MediShield Life, which is not subject to claims-based pricing.
He noted that MediSave can be used for premiums for both MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans, and there is currently no evidence that claims-based pricing shifts claims to public hospitals.

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26 Jul 2021

Incidents of Foreign State-sponsored Disinformation Campaigns about COVID-19 Vaccines and Associated Health Issues on Private Messaging Networks

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Communications and Information about incidents, nature, impact, and handling of foreign state-sponsored disinformation on COVID-19 vaccines and health issues, and plans for improving responses.
Josephine Teo responded that while disinformation from overseas sources has been observed, there is no evidence of a deliberate foreign state-sponsored campaign against Singapore on vaccines, emphasizing that the vaccination program is guided by scientific and medical authorities.
The Minister highlighted that national cohesion and COVID-19 response have not been significantly impacted, and current measures involve monitoring and countering disinformation through official channels.

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26 Jul 2021

Singapore's Contribution to COVID-19 Pandemic Management in ASEAN

Singapore provided direct medical aid to ASEAN countries, including oxygen, ventilators, diagnostic tests, and masks to Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Myanmar, and pledged vaccine donations through the COVAX Facility.
Singapore contributed US$100,000 to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and supported regional initiatives like the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework and the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies.
Private sector and philanthropic organizations in Singapore, such as Temasek Foundation and the Singapore Red Cross, also donated medical supplies to multiple ASEAN countries.
Singapore actively coordinated ASEAN’s pandemic response, leading to the creation of working groups, a strategic framework for health emergencies, and a regional reserve of medical supplies.
The government emphasized that pandemic management requires collective regional effort, with Singapore committing to continued cooperation with ASEAN and external partners.

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26 Jul 2021

Encourage Utilisation and Expansion of Elderly Befriender Services to Reduce Elderly Suicide Rates

Saktiandi Supaat asked about CareLine’s reach, increasing resources for befriending and suicide prevention, more house visits by the Silver Generation Office, and protocols when seniors decline assistance.
Joan Pereira inquired about providing resources to religious organisations to address the rising elderly suicide rate.
Ong Ye Kung outlined a multi-pronged approach including helplines, community outreach, elder befriending services, and CareLine, which has supported around 10,000 seniors, while continuing to build community partnerships.

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26 Jul 2021

Fifth Update on Whole-of-Government Responses to COVID-19

The Multi-Ministry Task Force explained that the recent return to Phase Two (Heightened Alert) was a necessary, temporary measure to slow community transmission from the KTV and Jurong Fishery Port clusters, protect vulnerable unvaccinated seniors, and buy time to increase vaccination rates before resuming a controlled reopening.
Ministers outlined a roadmap to transition to living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease, with a progressive, step-by-step easing of restrictions starting from early August, contingent on vaccination coverage and hospitalization rates, and including differentiated measures for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals.
The government affirmed its commitment to supporting affected businesses and workers through additional financial aid while encouraging economic transformation and gradual reopening of borders for vaccinated travelers, alongside enhanced safety measures for high-risk settings like markets and ports.

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26 Jul 2021

Impact of COVID-19 Border Restrictions on Entry of Migrant Domestic Workers into Singapore

Ms Ng Ling Ling queried the number of foreign domestic workers whose entry was postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the typical waiting time for approval, and whether exceptions could be made for families with urgent caregiving needs.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower explained that entry approvals were tightened from May 2021 due to high COVID-19 incidence among arrivals, leading to the postponement of about 1,800 migrant domestic workers’ entries, with one-third rescheduled so far.
The Ministry is prioritising entry for families with very challenging caregiving needs and hopes to reschedule the remaining two-thirds of postponed entries by year-end, barring further tightening.
A pilot program with employment agencies is being tested to implement additional safe management measures in workers’ home countries before entry, to potentially allow more arrivals if successful.
The Ministry continues to monitor the regional COVID-19 situation and advises employers to consider alternative arrangements, such as the Household Services Scheme, if their domestic worker cannot enter soon.

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26 Jul 2021

Tracking of Mental Health and Stress Levels of Students with Roll-out of Subject-Based Banding

The Ministry of Education tracks student well-being in the Subject-Based Banding pilot schools through surveys and discussions, observing early positive effects like more diverse friendships and growth mindsets.
The debate highlighted that mental stress often stems from adult expectations, prompting a call for efforts to involve parents in redefining success narratives.
The Minister confirmed ongoing work to promote multiple pathways to success as a society-wide effort to alleviate academic stress and support student mental health.

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26 Jul 2021

Adjustments to Current COVID-19 Measures and Easing into Endemic Stage

The Minister for Health was asked about the long-term strategy for treating COVID-19 as it becomes endemic.
Parliament members questioned the extent of wastewater testing in housing estates and lessons from recent cases in Hougang and Yishun.
Concerns were raised about assistance for one-man businesses complying with mandatory testing and supervision of swabs.
Guidelines on indoor versus outdoor masking protocols were queried in light of evidence showing lower outdoor transmission rates.
The government was asked about plans for COVID-19 temporary roles, staffing flexibility, and how demand will vary with the virus situation.

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6 Jul 2021

Update on Applications and Payments Approved under Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme since May 2021

As of 25 June 2021, MOH received 292 complete applications for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme.
Of the 267 applications reviewed by the independent Clinical Panel, 102 met the qualifying criteria and $451,000 has been paid or is being paid out.
The remaining 159 applications did not meet eligibility criteria, and 31 applications are pending review or additional medical information.

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6 Jul 2021

Data on Number of Appeals Received for Waiver of Quarantine Requirements

Ms Mariam Jaafar requested data on the number of appeals for waiving quarantine requirements from vaccinated Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and Employment Pass holders.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stated that quarantine measures are not waived based on vaccination status and there is no formal appeal process.
He explained that vaccinated individuals still pose a transmission risk, especially to the unvaccinated, hence quarantine is mandatory for all close contacts regardless of vaccination status.
The current policy will remain until higher community vaccination coverage is achieved.
This response clarifies that no separate data on appeals exists, as such waivers are not part of the prevailing public health measures.

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6 Jul 2021

Receive First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine with Minimal Waiting Time and Longest Possible Gap between First and Second Dose

Mr. Yip Hon Weng asked the Ministry of Health about ensuring minimal waiting time for a first vaccine dose and the longest possible gap between mRNA vaccine doses without losing efficacy or safety.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stated that recent confirmed vaccine supply has accelerated the vaccination program, allowing all registrants to receive their first dose by July.
The Expert Committee on COVID-19 recommended extending the maximum interval between mRNA vaccine doses to six to eight weeks.

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