Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

10 May 2021

Efforts to Care for Migrant Workers' Mental Well-being and Allow for Measured Access to Facilities Beyond their Dormitories

The Ministry of Manpower has expanded migrant workers' recreation opportunities, including more frequent and longer visits to recreation centres and reopened in-dorm communal facilities, while keeping them updated on COVID-19 measures through the FWMOMCare app.
To support mental well-being, a multi-stakeholder taskforce called Project DAWN was established to develop a comprehensive support ecosystem, with counselling in native languages, mental health resources, and training for frontline professionals and peer support leaders.
Restrictions are being eased in a safe, gradual manner, with controlled community visits allowed when dormitory cases remain low and further easing possible when vaccination rates are high and transmission risks are reduced.

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10 May 2021

Requiring Singaporeans to be Fully Vaccinated before Taking Air Travel Bubble Flights

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the Ministry of Transport has considered requiring Singaporeans to be fully vaccinated before taking Air Travel Bubble flights to Hong Kong and what the reasons are for not having this requirement.
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that Air Travel Bubbles are established between two safe places with the pandemic under control, relying on repeated testing instead of quarantine or Stay-Home Notices.
He noted that Hong Kong had a very low risk of community transmission, with incidence rates of 0.01 and 0.02 per 100,000 population, making it safe for travellers to travel without vaccination.
The Minister urged all travellers to observe safe management measures, good hygiene standards, and get vaccinated when it is their turn.
The debate highlighted that vaccination is encouraged but not mandated for Air Travel Bubble flights due to the low COVID-19 risk in Hong Kong.

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10 May 2021

Standard Procedure for Patients to Get Access to Original Attending Surgeon at Public Hospitals

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Health about a SGH incident where a catheter was placed on the wrong side, querying the standard procedure for seeing the original surgeon, why the patient's request was not followed up, and the cause of the communication lapse.
SGH conducted an internal review, apologized to the patient, and found that the original surgeon's preference for the catheter placement was not communicated to the covering surgeon due to a lapse in the hand-over process, as the original surgeon was unavailable due to an unexpectedly prolonged prior surgery.
SGH explained that while patients can request to see their attending doctor, if unavailable, a team member provides care, and in this case the patient was seen by the surgical team and consultant, but her request to see the original surgeon was not conveyed.
SGH has apologized, reassured the patient that the catheter's function is unaffected, and is taking steps to improve communications, implement pre-operative site marking, and ensure doctors document and communicate patient concerns and instructions.
The Minister emphasized that SGH regrets the incident and is enhancing communication and hand-over procedures to improve patient care and prevent similar lapses.

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10 May 2021

Ensuring Patients' Interest in Healthcare

Gerald Giam proposed expanding Fee Benchmarks to cover all surgical procedures and setting narrower fee ranges to improve transparency and reduce healthcare costs, while also calling for broader doctor panels in insurance plans and an independent arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution.
Dr. Koh Poh Koon responded that the government already publishes bill sizes and has developed Fee Benchmarks for the most common procedures, which account for the majority of cases, and emphasized that pre-authorisation processes and existing regulations ensure patient access and price transparency.
The debate highlighted differing views on the comprehensiveness of fee benchmarks, with Giam advocating for full coverage of all procedures and Koh explaining the current approach balances efficiency with the need for practical, data-driven benchmarks.

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10 May 2021

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 3) Bill

The Minister for National Development introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 3) Bill with a Certificate of Urgency signed by the President.
The Bill was read for the first time and copies were distributed to Members for consideration.
The Second Reading of the Bill is scheduled for the following day.

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10 May 2021

Criteria for Inclusion of Medical Specialists into Insurer's Panel for Integrated Shield Plans

MOH's Senior Minister of State explained that empanelling doctors for Integrated Shield Plans aims to control healthcare costs and reduce bill variations, with pre-authorisation allowing patients to see non-panel doctors if approved, and the Multilateral Healthcare Insurance Committee is working to expand panels and streamline processes.
The government outlined measures to protect policyholders, including co-payment caps for panel doctors, regulatory oversight of insurers' financial health, and the Policyowners' Protection Scheme to ensure continuity if an insurer exits the market, alongside existing dispute resolution via FIDReC and a planned claims complaints panel under MHIC.
MOH tracks healthcare bills and has implemented fee benchmarks and care guidelines, while emphasising that MediShield Life provides universal coverage as a safety net, and that patient education and transparent information will help consumers make informed choices about their insurance plans.

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10 May 2021

Singapore's Further Plans for COVID-19 Vaccination and Prevention of Surge in Community Cases Given New Virus Variants

The Minister for Health deferred responding to 19 questions on Singapore's COVID-19 vaccination plans and community case prevention, seeking permission to address them through a ministerial statement at the next parliamentary sitting.
Parliamentarians raised concerns about the arrival and evaluation of the Sinovac vaccine, the validity of advance purchase agreements, and the approval timeline for additional vaccine options.
Members of Parliament inquired about travel measures, including quarantine requirements, controlled itineraries, and potential travel bans for high-risk countries with emerging variants, as well as enhanced testing and Stay-Home Notice regimes.
Questions focused on vaccination progress, public confidence, and safety, including the efficacy against new variants, adverse reactions, revaccination plans, and the inclusion of children under 16.
The debate highlighted the need for stricter border controls, improved tracking of imported cases by country and profession, and strategies to combat misinformation and ensure transparency on vaccine injury claims.

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5 Apr 2021

Funding and Amounts Paid Out of Special Fund Used to Ensure No Foreign Worker is Denied Medical Care

Hazel Poa asked about a special fund used to ensure foreign workers receive medical care, specifically whether it is fully government-financed and the amount paid out for workers' medical bills when employers cannot pay.
Manpower Minister Josephine Teo stated employers are responsible for medical costs and must buy insurance covering at least $15,000 annually, which pays for about 95% of hospital bills for such workers.
In extenuating circumstances, the Ministry steps in to support cases where employers cannot pay, with an average of 25 employers and workers assisted yearly over the last three years, each averaging $29,000 in support.
The Ministry is reviewing medical coverage for migrant workers and will provide updates later.

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5 Apr 2021

Provision of Onsite Counselling Support During After-office Hours to Emotionally Unstable Residents in Housing Estates

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry can provide on-site counselling support during after-office hours in housing estates for emotionally unstable residents.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that residents can seek help from community touchpoints like Family Service Centres and healthcare institutions, which typically operate during office hours with some extended services.
After office hours, distressed residents can contact the National Care Hotline or 24-hour crisis hotlines such as Samaritans of Singapore and the IMH Mental Health Helpline.
In emergencies involving safety risks, the public can call the Police, who may provide assistance or refer the resident for social and psychiatric support.
The Minister did not commit to providing on-site counselling during after-office hours, instead outlining existing alternatives available to residents.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of Students Caught for Vaping in Past Three Years and Educational Measures Planned

Over the past three years, about 9 in every 1,000 students across primary, secondary, junior colleges, centralised institutes, polytechnics and ITE were caught for smoking or vaping offences, though the Ministry does not have a specific breakdown for vaping cases.
The Ministry of Education, polytechnics and ITE collaborate with the Health Promotion Board through interactive school programmes, teacher training and the HealthHub portal to raise awareness about the benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle.
Disciplinary actions such as suspension or caning are taken against students caught using or possessing e-cigarettes, and cases are reported to the Health Sciences Authority for supply investigation and potential enforcement.
Recalcitrant offenders may face prosecution or fines and are required to attend a Health Promotion Board cessation programme to encourage long-term behavioural change.
Student Health Advisors in more than 60 secondary schools provide guidance to students caught for smoking and vaping to help them quit the habit.

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5 Apr 2021

Facilitating Manufacture of COVID-19 Vaccines with Pharmaceutical Companies and Ensuring Production Capabilities Locally in Future Pandemics

Singapore is engaging multiple pharmaceutical companies to manufacture vaccines and therapeutics locally, with Thermo Fisher Scientific establishing a new US$130 million facility to produce up to 30 million sterile doses per month starting in 2022.
The government aims to build a resilient and competitive biomedical sector by developing skilled talent, supporting local R&D, and enhancing manufacturing capabilities to prepare for future pandemics.
Ongoing efforts include nurturing local biomedical companies and training executives with niche skills to strengthen Singapore’s ability to respond to public health crises.

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5 Apr 2021

Percentile Quantum of Hospital Bills and Government Subsidy Payable for One Day of Subsidised Ward Inpatient Hospital Admission

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about the percentile quantum of hospital bills and government subsidies for one day of subsidised ward inpatient admission and whether cost savings could arise from decentralising services to the community for less mobile patients.
Gan Kim Yong provided the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile daily post-subsidy bill sizes for Singaporeans in Class B2 and C wards in 2019, which were $200, $270, $400, $660 and $1,300 respectively, noting out-of-pocket costs are further reduced by MediShield Life and MediSave.
He stated that the Ministry prioritises shifting care to the community, enabling patients to receive care at home or in familiar settings to avoid unnecessary hospital stays.
Services like home medication delivery, administration, and phlebotomy are already available for less mobile patients as part of home nursing visits and community care support.

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5 Apr 2021

Criteria for Exemptions from Stay-Home Notice Requirements for Returning Singaporeans

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce uses a risk-based approach for border controls, assessing factors like COVID-19 incidence rates, testing capacities, and community spread policies in different countries.
Returning Singaporeans from higher-risk countries face stricter measures like a 14-day Stay-Home Notice with tests, while those from lower-risk countries may only need a 7-day SHN at home with a test.
Border measures are dynamic and will be relaxed or tightened based on changes in a country’s COVID-19 situation, with updates available on the SafeTravel website.

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5 Apr 2021

Complaints against Mental Health Practitioners Providing Treatment in Fields not under Allied Health Professions Act and Available Recourse for Negative Outcomes Post-Treatment

In the past five years, the Ministry of Health (MOH) received no complaints against mental health practitioners providing treatment in fields not regulated under the Allied Health Professions Act.
Unregulated mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counselors, are not formally licensed but may voluntarily register with professional associations, while psychiatrists are registered with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC).
Patients can lodge complaints with MOH for concerns about clinical services, with SMC for psychiatrists, or with relevant professional associations for other mental health professionals.
Licensed healthcare institutions have systems to ensure adequate training and monitor service quality, including mechanisms to address complaints.
For negative mental health outcomes after treatment from unregulated practitioners, recourse includes filing complaints with MOH, SMC, or professional associations, though no such complaints have been reported in the last five years.

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5 Apr 2021

Choice of COVID-19 Vaccination Centre Regardless of Constituency

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked whether individuals could choose any vaccination centre for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of their constituency.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that individuals may select their preferred centre via the booking system, subject to slot availability.
The response clarified that constituency is not a restriction for appointment bookings.
Availability of slots at chosen centres remains the key factor for eligibility.
The policy aims to provide flexibility while managing distribution efficiently.

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5 Apr 2021

Priority for COVID-19 Vaccination for Locum Nurses and Singaporean Construction Workers Working Closely with Foreign Workers

Mariam Jaafar asked whether locum nurses and Singaporean construction workers working closely with foreign workers should receive priority vaccination like frontline workers.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said priority is given to groups at higher risk of infection and settings with rapid transmission potential.
He confirmed that registered nurses not in public institutions, including those from private agencies and independently practising nurses, have been prioritized for vaccination.
He also stated that Singaporean construction workers in close contact with foreign workers will be given priority for vaccination.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures to Control Smuggling and Use of e-Cigarettes

The Health Sciences Authority collaborates with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority to intercept smuggling of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, while also monitoring online platforms to remove illegal sales listings.
Public education campaigns led by the Health Promotion Board target youths and parents, highlighting carcinogenic chemicals in e-cigarettes and using gamified learning methods to raise awareness of health harms.
The Ministry of Health reinforces that all activities involving e-vaporisers are prohibited under law and urges the public to report illicit activities through designated channels.

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5 Apr 2021

Addressing Concerns of Religious Groups Before Approving COVID-19 Vaccines for Use in Singapore

The Minister confirmed that vaccine approval in Singapore is based solely on safety, quality, and effectiveness, with no religious or moral considerations affecting the process.
The currently authorized Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines do not use abortion-derived cell lines, addressing the specific concern raised.
Individuals can choose their vaccination center, which may offer different vaccines, but selection is subject to appointment availability rather than religious preference.
No religious groups in Singapore have raised concerns about the vaccines, and the government encourages all medically eligible individuals to get vaccinated for public safety.

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5 Apr 2021

Priority in COVID-19 Vaccination Exercise for Workers in Food Supply Production Process

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Health whether workers in the food supply production process could be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination due to their essential role.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that vaccine supply is limited, so prioritization focuses on healthcare workers, vulnerable seniors, and frontline workers at higher risk of exposure, including those in critical sectors like aviation, maritime, utilities, and selected food supply workers.
Only a proportion of food sector workers are included in the priority group to ensure essential services continue, with plans to expand vaccination to all Singaporeans by end-2021 as more vaccine stocks arrive.

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5 Apr 2021

Measures to Assist Rising Number of Seniors Living Only with Spouse Should One or Both Fall Ill without Available Help

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked about programmes for seniors living only with their spouse who may lack help or funds for a domestic worker if their health deteriorates, whether in HDB or private homes.
Gan Kim Yong explained that the Ministry of Health partners with community services like Silver Generation Office, eldercare centres, and CareLine to support seniors aging in place, regardless of housing type.
Seniors can access home-based and centre-based care services, including day care, rehabilitation, meals, and transport, with up to 80% subsidies for eligible individuals.
Additional support includes the Home Caregiving Grant ($200/month) for those with permanent moderate disability and the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund for assistive devices.
Seniors can seek further help through the Agency for Integrated Care’s hotline or nearby AIC Link centres.

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