3,662 debates and bills about health
The Ministry has assessed that subsidized outpatient mental health patients pay $300 to $500 annually post-subsidy, with costs offset by MediSave schemes; this data informs ongoing financing reviews, including recent increases to MediSave withdrawal limits for chronic treatments.
Hospitals contact next-of-kin as soon as possible, depending on the patient's condition. For unaccompanied patients, hospitals first try to identify them using records and may involve police as a last resort.
Gabriel Lam questioned if Nutri-Grade fairly assesses plain milk for children and distinguishes natural fats from additives. Ong Ye Kung explained the framework grades sugar and saturated fat, encouraging lower-fat milk for older kids while allowing full-fat for toddlers. The policy will be reviewed to consider feedback on choice and underweight students.
Schools identify gaming concerns via teacher referrals, peer input, and well-being check-ins. Support includes counsellor intervention, parent collaboration, and referrals to Social Service Agencies or IMH for specialised treatment. Community partners like TOUCH provide counselling and programmes for affected students.
Elysa Chen queried the timeline for reviewing a ban on flavoured tobacco and influencing factors. Ong Ye Kung stated the government is considering such a ban alongside existing measures, which have reduced smoking prevalence to a record low of 8.4%.
The Ministry reported no significant rise in haze-related medical consultations. Seniors are vulnerable, and Community Health Posts offer proactive support including monitoring and telehealth.
Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for Manpower about the types of information collected by the i-SMART facial recognition system at the NESST Tukang migrant worker dormitory and its usage by various stakeholders. Tan See Leng responded that the system collects residents' facial recognition data, timestamps for entry and exit, and body temperature readings for access management and health monitoring. The collected personal information is restricted to NESST Singapore Limited and not shared with other stakeholders, except in cases of disease outbreaks where it may be shared with relevant authorities as per legal requirements.
Fadli Fawzi asked about the compliance rates of the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule for Singaporeans, foreign students, and Permanent Residents, as well as actions taken against non-compliance over the past decade. Ong Ye Kung reported that vaccination rates for measles and diphtheria among children under 12 in Singapore are high, with 2024 coverage rates of 93% and 97% for measles, and 89% and 95% for diphtheria at ages two and eleven, respectively. Foreign students must provide proof of vaccination or immunity documentation to the National Immunisation Registry for long-term immigration passes, which has helped maintain herd immunity against these diseases. There was no mention of actions taken against non-compliant parents.
Mariam Jaafar inquired about the relevance of Taiwan's National Lung Cancer Early Detection Programme for Singapore. Ong Ye Kung stated that while the Ministry of Health acknowledges Taiwan's program, Singapore currently recommends lung cancer screening only for heavy smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer. It was highlighted that around 60% of lung cancer cases in Singapore are among smokers, who are at higher risk. Concerns were raised about the radiation exposure from low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, the potential health risks from repeated screenings, and the high false positive rates leading to unnecessary procedures. The Ministry will continue to evaluate emerging evidence regarding lung cancer screening for non-smokers.
Fadli Fawzi asked about financial assistance for tuberculosis patients needing help with travel expenses and lost income associated with Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). Ong Ye Kung confirmed that patients can seek support through Medical Social Workers at the National Tuberculosis Care Centre and polyclinics. Eligible residents may receive aid from various Government financial assistance schemes, including MediFund and ComCare. The Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association offers additional support through grocery vouchers and transport allowances. The approach to treatment is shifting towards allowing patients with good adherence to transition to Video Observed Therapy or fewer DOT sessions.
The debate focused on the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, addressing the rising public health threat posed by vaporisers and psychoactive substances. Senior Minister of State Koh Poh Koon explained that the Act aims to strengthen enforcement against vaping, specifically targeting substances like etomidate, while facilitating rehabilitation for users. There were discussions on the balance between deterrence for suppliers and support for young offenders caught vaping, with calls for effective public education to address underlying causes. Concerns regarding over-penalization and the adequacy of rehabilitation resources were also raised, alongside the need for clear operational guidelines for enforcement among responsible entities.
He Ting Ru asked for updates on the key performance indicators for education institutions to ensure adequate support for suicide-risk assessments and interventions for students. Desmond Lee clarified that the Ministry of Education relies on baseline requirements instead of specific KPIs, ensuring that schools and Institutes of Higher Learning have essential capabilities for suicide support. Schools and IHLs have processes for early detection and intervention, with trained staff and peer support structures in place for students. Students needing further help are referred to trained counsellors, with high-risk cases directed to community mental health teams or emergency services, while parental consent is sought when necessary. The Ministry will continue to enhance support systems in collaboration with community partners.
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