Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

8 Mar 2021

Proposal for Weekly Reports on COVID-19 Vaccination Numbers

Leong Mun Wai requested that the Ministry of Health publish weekly reports on the number of people fully vaccinated and those who have taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Gan Kim Yong responded that the Ministry has already been releasing vaccination progress information, including numbers vaccinated, through various channels like the MOH website.
The debate centered on whether a formal weekly report is needed given existing information dissemination methods.

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8 Mar 2021

Acknowledgement to the Chair

The Leader of the House acknowledged the extensive Budget 2021 debate, highlighting record participation and unanimous support for measures addressing COVID-19, healthcare workers, economic transformation, inclusivity, mental health, women's development, and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, while discussing fiscal strategies including GST increases and reserve use.
The Speaker reflected on the debate's conduct, emphasizing perspective on national trade-offs like land use, the importance of respectful discourse, and gratitude for Singapore's collective response to the pandemic, drawing parallels to global admiration for Singapore's approach.
Both speakers expressed thanks to Parliament staff, translators, and external teams for facilitating the session, with the Speaker also distributing roses on International Women's Day and quoting local songs to underscore unity and contribution.

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8 Mar 2021

Cases of Employers Repatriating Injured Migrant Workers against Their Will

The Ministry of Manpower stated that employers are legally responsible for migrant workers' medical costs and cannot repatriate injured workers until they are medically fit, with only two cases of illegal repatriation reported in the last five years.
There are multiple channels for workers to report issues, including a hotline, the FWMOMCare app, NGOs, and dormitory operators, with education provided in native languages through the Settling-In-Programme.
The requirement for a letter of guarantee in non-emergency cases is being reviewed to improve access to treatment, though hospitals currently use it to ensure payment capability.
MOM is reviewing medical insurance coverage to better manage large medical bills, with plans to enhance medical screening and underwriting, aiming to finalize this in the second half of the year.
For the 5% of cases exceeding the $15,000 insurance threshold, a special fund exists to ensure no worker is denied necessary care.

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8 Mar 2021

Transferring to Singapore Embryos that have Undergone Pre-implantation Genetically Screens Overseas during COVID-19 Pandemic

Louis Ng asked whether couples could ship pre-implantation genetically screened embryos from overseas to Singapore during COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Ministry of Health allows exceptional embryo imports if overseas centers meet Singapore’s regulatory standards, with conditions on screening results and documentation.
Ng suggested creating a standard application form instead of requiring exceptional appeals, and the ministry agreed to consider simplifying the process.

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5 Mar 2021

Telemedicine and Mobile Medical Services for Mental Health

The Ministry of Health confirmed that public healthcare institutions provide video consultations for mental health management, including for seniors, with subsidies extended under CHAS and Medisave for chronic conditions like anxiety and depression.
Community intervention teams offer mobile and online allied-health services such as psychotherapy and counselling, while helplines like The Seniors Helpline and CareLine provide tele-befriending, tele-counselling, and 24/7 support for isolated seniors.
Usage has grown, with over 24,000 patients (including seniors) using video consultations by end-October 2020, and helpline calls rising from 5,600 in FY2018 to 8,700 in FY2019, indicating increased adoption of digital mental health services.

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5 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

MPs highlighted the need to enhance social service delivery, urging expansion of Social Service Offices and better coordination to address gaps, while stressing the importance of community partnerships and government support for COVID-19 recovery, including updates on the COVID-19 Recovery Grant and job creation.
Discussion focused on improving support for vulnerable groups, such as caregivers, youth, and persons with disabilities, with calls for more inclusive preschools, streamlined financial assistance, and better mental health resources.
MPs raised concerns about family and marital issues, including divorce's impact on children and domestic violence, suggesting proactive measures to strengthen family relations and protect vulnerable individuals.

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5 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head O (Ministry of Health)

MPs raised concerns about seniors' access to care, care coordination, support for caregivers, and healthcare design, with MOH highlighting initiatives like community nursing, new eldercare centres, and caregiver grants.
Discussion on healthcare financing focused on MediShield Life premiums, MediSave limits, and targeted subsidies, with MOH detailing premium subsidies, higher outpatient MediSave limits, and a review of subsidy frameworks.
The debate emphasized protecting healthcare workers, with MOH announcing salary increases and anti-harassment measures, while also addressing mental health and preventive care through community programmes and national strategies.

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4 Mar 2021

Number of Couples Undergoing In-vitro Fertilisation Treatments in Past Five Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health for the number of couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation treatments each year over the past five years.
Gan Kim Yong responded with the number of assisted reproduction treatment cycles undergone by women annually from 2015 to 2019, rounded to the nearest hundred.
The figures provided were 7,100 cycles in 2015, 7,200 in 2016, 7,700 in 2017, 8,500 in 2018, and 8,700 in 2019.
The data reflects treatment cycles rather than the number of distinct couples, as one couple may undergo multiple cycles.
The trend shows an increase in the number of treatment cycles over the five-year period.

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4 Mar 2021

Allowing Patients with Specific Conditions to Exceed MediSave Withdrawal Limits for In-vitro Fertilisation-related Procedures

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the specific conditions under which patients can exceed MediSave withdrawal limits for in-vitro fertilisation-related procedures, noting the current limits may not cover all costs for some couples.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that MediSave is for basic healthcare needs, with Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) withdrawal limits balancing support for immediate expenses and preserving retirement savings, and that after co-funding and MediSave use, most couples face minimal out-of-pocket costs.
The Minister stated that appeals for exceeding limits are assessed case-by-case based on the patient's unique financial and social circumstances, such as unexpected medical complications, and that the Government will continue reviewing schemes to support couples pursuing parenthood.

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3 Mar 2021

Arrangements for Migrant Workers on Special Passes Staying in Dormitories to Leave Dormitories Regularly for Mental Health Reasons

Miss Rachel Ong raised concerns about whether migrant workers on special passes who cannot leave their dormitories for work could have regular outings for mental health and whether their cases could be expedited for repatriation.
The Minister for Manpower explained that these workers can visit Recreation Centres up to three times a week if they meet eligibility criteria like having a contact tracing device and a recent negative COVID test.
MOM aims to resolve cases quickly, with most concluded within six months, but some may take longer due to serious injuries requiring stabilization before medical assessment.

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3 Mar 2021

Social Workers Trained in Suicide Interventions in Singapore Police Force's Crisis Negotiation Unit

Mr. Louis Ng asked whether the Singapore Police Force's Crisis Negotiation Unit currently includes social workers trained in suicide interventions and if not, whether the Ministry would consider adding them.
The Crisis Negotiation Unit consists of Police officers and psychologists trained in negotiation tactics for situations including suicide attempts, but does not currently include social workers.
The Ministry's response explained that the immediate priority is ensuring safety, after which social workers or other relevant personnel may be brought in to provide support.

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3 Mar 2021

Review on Requiring Frontline Officers with the Singapore Police Force to Undergo Psychological First-aid Training

Louis Ng asked for an update on the Ministry of Home Affairs' review of requiring Singapore Police Force frontline officers to undergo psychological first-aid training to improve responses to attempted suicides.
The police completed a review in February 2021 and found current training elements adequate, including suicide intervention skills for officers like Ground Response Forces.
The training teaches officers to empathize with emotionally distressed individuals to assist them appropriately during interventions.

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3 Mar 2021

Extending Pilot for Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening to Private Clinics

Louis Ng Kok Kwang suggested extending the Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) pilot to private clinics to increase patient enrollment in the study.
Gan Kim Yong explained that PGS is currently available to patients meeting specific clinical criteria and that eligible patients from private clinics can already be referred to public AR centres for treatment and embryo biopsy.
The Ministry of Health is reviewing ways to enhance patient recruitment for the pilot and will consider the MP’s suggestion to extend it to private clinics.

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3 Mar 2021

Extension of Assisted Reproduction Technology Co-funding Scheme to Couples above Age 40

Louis Ng asked whether the ART co-funding scheme could be extended to couples where the wife is 40 or older at the point of marriage.
Gan Kim Yong explained the scheme supports couples facing conception difficulties, with an enhancement since January 2020 allowing women who attempted ART/IUI before 40 to use up to two co-funded cycles at age 40 or later to encourage early family planning.
The age-40 criterion is based on clinical evidence showing lower ART success rates after 40, though the Ministry considers case-by-case appeals for couples with extenuating circumstances.

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3 Mar 2021

Raising Awareness amongst Parents on Youth Mental Health

The Ministry of Social and Family Development collaborates with other ministries and agencies to promote youth mental health awareness among parents through various programmes and resources.
Programmes like the Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) have reached over 30,000 parents, showing reduced parenting stress and improved child behaviour, with plans to expand community outreach.
Digital platforms and community initiatives, such as online video series and parenting resources, are used to equip parents with skills to support their children’s mental well-being.
The government continues to work with community partners and networks to enhance accessibility and effectiveness of mental health support for parents and youth.
Efforts are being made to reach parents who may not engage online, with suggestions to involve community partners like PA for broader awareness.

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2 Mar 2021

Increasing Number of Patients and Subsidy for Pre-implantation Genetic Screening

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Health to expand the Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) pilot to include any patient regardless of prognosis and to fully subsidize the costs to increase enrollment.
The Ministry clarified that the PGS pilot is limited to women meeting specific clinical criteria to ensure safety and effectiveness, with funding covering half of consumables costs, resulting in patient charges of about $1,100 per test plus biopsy fees.
A high attrition rate was noted, with only 104 out of 367 enrolled patients undergoing PGS, due to factors like cost, changes of mind, and medical reasons; the Ministry is exploring ways to support affordability and continue data collection.

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1 Mar 2021

Option of Applying for Chronic Disease Management Programme for Eligible Chronic Disease Patients

Louis Ng asked about the protocols to inform patients with eligible chronic diseases about the option to apply for the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).
Gan Kim Yong explained that accredited medical institutions are required to inform eligible patients about CHAS subsidies and MediSave use for CDMP conditions, and there is no need to apply for the CDMP.
The Silver Generation Office also conducts outreach to share information about the CDMP and CHAS subsidies with seniors to encourage treatment at accredited clinics.

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1 Mar 2021

Review Policies and Health Data on Children Injured in Motor Accidents and Child Car Seats in Taxis

Louis Ng asked if public hospitals collect health data on children injured in motor accidents due to not being secured in child car seats and how such data would inform policy reviews for child car seats in taxis.
Gan Kim Yong stated that while public hospitals report some data on child injuries in motor accidents, there is limited information on whether child car seats or seatbelts were used, and the data does not directly link injuries to the non-use of restraints.
The government acknowledges that international evidence supports the use of child restraints for safety but exempts taxis from requiring child car seats due to practical challenges, while private hire cars allow pre-booking of child seats.

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1 Mar 2021

Number of Persons Prosecuted and Convicted for HIV Non-disclosure under Section 23(1) of Infectious Diseases Act in Past Five Years

In the past five years, five persons living with HIV were prosecuted and three convicted under Section 23(1) of the Infectious Diseases Act for non-disclosure to sexual partners.
The Minister for Health stated the law requires disclosure to enable informed consent and precaution, aiming to reduce HIV transmission risk.
The Minister did not address whether any studies have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of criminalising HIV non-disclosure in reducing HIV spread in Singapore.

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1 Mar 2021

Tax Relief on Cash Top-ups Made to MediSave Accounts of Family Members and Dependants

Don Wee asked whether tax relief could be granted on cash top-ups made to MediSave accounts of family members and dependants.
Heng Swee Keat explained that tax relief is currently given for voluntary cash top-ups to one’s own MediSave Account, with caps to prevent disproportionate benefits for the wealthy.
Tax relief for top-ups to family members’ MediSave accounts is accorded to the recipients, not the top-up payer.
MediSave can also be used directly for family members’ medical expenses within withdrawal limits.
The Government will continue reviewing policies to ensure relevance and to encourage family support.

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