Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

1 Mar 2021

Supervision of Organisations Privoding Psychological and Mental Health Services

Dr Wan Rizal questioned which body oversees organizations and individuals providing psychological and mental health services.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that mental health services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams, with psychiatrists, nurses, and occupational therapists regulated by their respective professional councils, while counsellors and psychologists are guided by professional bodies but are not formally regulated.
The Ministry of Health regulates licensable healthcare services, including mental health treatments, under existing and future legislation to ensure patient safety, with unlicensed providers facing penalties.

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1 Mar 2021

Rejection of Driving Licence Applications due to Applicants' Mental Illness

Between 2018 and 2020, 31 applicants were barred from taking driving tests due to mental disorders, representing 0.014% of all applicants.
Applicants who declare a mental disorder or are suspected of having one must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor.
The doctor determines fitness to drive based on guidelines from the Singapore Medical Association, and only those certified fit may proceed with driving tests.
Data prior to 2018 is unavailable due to the implementation of online applications for Provisional Driving Licences.

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1 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head N (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Parliamentarians emphasized the need for Singapore to strengthen multilateral cooperation and vaccine access through COVAX, highlighting the global challenges posed by vaccine nationalism and the pandemic's impact on international relations.
The debate addressed the importance of maintaining Singapore's hub status in trade, shipping, and finance amid economic uncertainties, as well as deepening regional ties with Malaysia, Indonesia, and ASEAN to enhance connectivity and resilience.
Ministers outlined strategies to navigate US-China tensions, protect Singapore's autonomy, and advance digital and climate cooperation, while ensuring consular support for Singaporeans abroad and promoting foreign policy engagement domestically.

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1 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Ministers affirmed that Singapore's defence strategy remains robust despite COVID-19 disruptions, emphasizing continued investment in capabilities, readiness, and a rules-based international order to navigate heightened geopolitical risks and strengthen bilateral and multilateral security ties.
The debate highlighted MINDEF/SAF's significant contributions to the national COVID-19 response, including testing, logistics, and medical support, while detailing plans to enhance bio-defence capabilities such as upgrading laboratories to the highest biosafety level and sustaining operational readiness through adjusted training and vaccination.
To adapt to evolving threats and manpower constraints, the SAF is transforming National Service through initiatives like the Next-Generation SAF, enhanced medical classification systems, work-study diplomas, and digitalisation, alongside strengthened safety measures and support for servicemen's well-being and careers.

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1 Mar 2021

Review of Safe Management Measures at Workplace

Seah Kian Peng asked when the next review of workplace safe management measures will happen and what factors will be considered, noting the impact on businesses and asking if vaccination will be a factor.
The Senior Minister of State for Manpower explained that reviews are deferred after Chinese New Year, with adjustments based on public health risks, community cases, and employee and business interests, while maintaining work-from-home as the default.
Zaqy Mohamad added that the Multi-Ministry Task Force will monitor the situation a few weeks after Chinese New Year to balance employer and employee needs, noting that vaccination status will not yet change SMMs due to ongoing vaccination and uncertainty about protection duration.

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1 Mar 2021

Agreement between Countries to Recognise COVID-19 Vaccination Taken by Respective Residents

Gan Thiam Poh asked about progress on bilateral agreements for mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccines and whether Singapore will only accept vaccines approved by the Health Sciences Authority for travel.
The Minister for Transport stated that while vaccination may reduce border measures, more scientific data is needed to assess how vaccines lower transmission risk before differentiating by vaccine type or reducing border measures for vaccinated individuals.
Singapore is developing a digital vaccine certification system using HealthCerts and is discussing mutual recognition of such certificates with international bodies and countries, but this process will take time.
Currently, Singapore does not require vaccination for entry and continues to rely on testing and Stay-Home Notices to prevent virus importation, with no plans to impose vaccination as a travel requirement.

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26 Feb 2021

Co-Payment in Integrated Shield Plans for Specific Hospital Categories and Breakdown of Average Claims Made through Full Riders of Integrated Shield Plans

Miss Rachel Ong asked whether the Ministry of Health will limit the 5% co-payment requirement to specific hospital categories with unsustainable cost increases rather than applying it universally across all Integrated Shield Plans.
She also asked how the Ministry safeguards policyholders’ interests when insurers change terms for full-cover plans signed before March 2018, and for data on average claims growth from 2015 to 2020 for private hospitals, Class A wards, and Class B1/below wards in restructured hospitals.
The Minister responded that co-payment is a key principle to encourage prudence and affordability, explaining that full riders without co-payment led to over-consumption and higher costs, which is why a 5% minimum was mandated for new riders from 2019.
Insurers can adjust pre-2018 plans under their contracts but must notify policyholders 30 days in advance, and some insurers offer co-payment limits or allow use of MediSave for the co-payment amount.
The Ministry will continue working with stakeholders to promote cost-effective healthcare and ensure sustainability, using tools like fee benchmarks and care guides.

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26 Feb 2021

Update on Government's Review on Mental Health Strategy

The Government’s review of the mental health strategy is ongoing, with more details to be announced later.
Mental health services have been expanded in primary care and community settings, including services in polyclinics, trained GPs, and outreach and intervention teams.
Intermediate and day care services are available for stable patients, such as psychiatric rehabilitation homes, day centres, and programmes at the Institute of Mental Health.
The Ministry of Health aims to improve accessibility and support patient recovery in the community.
Decentralisation and semi-inpatient services are being considered as part of efforts to enhance mental healthcare.

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26 Feb 2021

Postpartum Complications, Infant Health and Mental Health Issues during COVID-19 Pandemic

Raeesah Khan asked if there has been an increase in postpartum complications, infant health issues, and mental health problems during the pandemic due to limited family support and caretakers, and what steps MOH has taken.
MOH reported no observed increase in postpartum complications or infant health issues at public hospitals, and Medical Social Workers assist parents with skills and post-discharge support when support issues are raised.
The Institute of Mental Health’s helpline saw a 48% rise in calls from April to December 2020, linked to COVID-19 anxieties, but not specifically to family or caretaking support issues.
MOH collaborated with AIC and community partners to support mental wellbeing, including phone outreach, home visits for high-risk clients, and the launch of the National CARE Hotline, which handled nearly 38,000 calls by end-2020 with a recent decline.
A COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce was set up in October 2020 to assess existing initiatives and address gaps in meeting mental health needs during the pandemic.

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26 Feb 2021

Provision of Medical Certificates to Husbands Accompanying Wives for In-vitro Fertilisation Treatments at Public Hospital

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of Health will require doctors to issue medical certificates to husbands accompanying wives for IVF treatments at public hospitals.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that medical certificates are only issued to patients on medical grounds, and husbands accompanying wives for IVF do not receive MCs, though doctors may provide memos for employers to consider.
Gan Kim Yong encouraged employers to be supportive by offering flexibility such as time-off or work-from-home arrangements for husbands during their wives' IVF treatments.

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26 Feb 2021

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

The debate centered on the Smart Nation initiative’s role in Singapore’s response to COVID-19, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools like TraceTogether and SingPass, and discussed the future of digital infrastructure including 5G rollout and cross-border digital identity solutions.
Concerns were raised about data security, the handling of classified information by public servants, and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups from scams and financial fraud in an increasingly digital society.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Singapore’s low fertility rate, with calls for enhanced support for marriage and parenthood, including financial incentives, better childcare support, and policies to encourage shared parental responsibilities.
The corruption case involving Keppel Offshore and Marine was noted as complex and transnational, with ongoing investigations; members called for updates and suggested strengthening anti-corruption laws.
The Public Service’s efforts in upskilling, employment support, and adopting flexible work arrangements were discussed, with emphasis on ensuring lifelong employability and leading by example in progressive workplace practices.

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26 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Members debated climate change and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for global cooperation on carbon pricing, green investments, and vaccine incentives to recover and build a sustainable future.
Fiscal prudence and stewardship were central themes, with discussions on managing reserves, the GST hike, and balancing support for vulnerable groups against long-term economic and social investments.
Proposals included enhancing transport efficiency, supporting green economy jobs, and improving worker protections, while acknowledging the need for targeted aid and equitable policies across all income levels.

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25 Feb 2021

Conduct Study on Gradually Increasing Minimum Legal Age for Smoking to Reduce Prevalence of Youth Smoking

Raeesah Khan asked if a study has been conducted on gradually increasing the minimum legal age for smoking to reduce youth smoking prevalence and what support is provided to youths unable to smoke legally after the 2021 age increase.
Gan Kim Yong stated that raising the minimum legal age from 19 to 21 years in 2021 reduced opportunities for youth to start smoking, with smoking prevalence among youths aged 18–29 decreasing from 9.8% in 2017 to 8.8% in 2020, though it is too early to assess the latest change’s impact.
The Ministry of Health monitors smoking rates and the Health Promotion Board runs education and cessation programmes, including counselling in schools and via QuitLine, with over 58% of youths reducing or quitting smoking after counselling.

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25 Feb 2021

Expand Number of Dementia-Friendly Communities and On-Demand Home-based Intervention as Alternative to Care Centres

The Ministry of Health will expand the number of Dementia-Friendly Communities from 10 to 15 this year, having already reached over 102,000 people with awareness and support resources.
Over 300 Go-To Points nationwide serve as dementia resource centres and safe return points, with plans to scale these networks further if additional capacity is needed.
The Ministry is expanding home-based care services such as medical, nursing, and personal care to support home-bound patients, including those with dementia.
Community outreach teams conduct home visits to provide dementia care information, emotional support, and connections to services for patients and caregivers.
The Integrated Home and Day Care programme offers flexible combinations of home-based and centre-based care to meet individual needs, including for dementia patients.

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25 Feb 2021

Identifying, Diagnosing and Raising Awareness of Post Natal Depression in Singapore

Ms Raeesah Khan asked about the prevalence, identification, and awareness support for paternal postnatal depression (PPND) in Singapore.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that local studies estimate PPND prevalence at 1.8% six weeks after birth, though MOH does not track it routinely.
Hospitals may assess spouses during maternal consultations for risk factors, and affected fathers are referred to polyclinics or mental health professionals.
Community initiatives like KidSTART screen for paternal depression during home visits and direct individuals for further assessment.
MOH will continue to monitor and respond to the mental health needs of the population.

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25 Feb 2021

Peer Support Network Programmes in Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning

Peer support programmes in Singapore schools and IHLs are built through Character and Citizenship Education and structured peer support systems, with all IHLs already having such structures and all schools set to have them by 2022.
The programmes teach students to be kind, recognise signs of distress, and seek help, while trained Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) actively look out for peers, manage conflicts, and encourage early help-seeking.
Schools and IHLs work with community partners like the Health Promotion Board to raise mental health awareness and gather student feedback to monitor and strengthen peer support efforts.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has observed positive outcomes, including more students showing care for peers and PSLs effectively facilitating help-seeking, and will continue to support and expand these initiatives.

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25 Feb 2021

Outcome of Pilot Care Close to Home Service Model in HDB Estates

The Care Close to Home pilot, launched in 2014, provided nurse-led home care to about 6,000 seniors in HDB rental estates but was found to not fully meet clients' needs, as many were relatively well or required more intensive support than offered.
The Ministry of Health reviewed the pilot from 2018 to 2020 and noted mixed outcomes, including good accessibility but gaps in service depth for those with complex health and social needs.
The pilot will transition from May 2021 to 2024 into a new eldercare centre model offering common services like active ageing, befriending, and referrals, with additional care options layered in for frailer seniors.
The transition aims to better align services with seniors' needs, enabling smoother referrals to home personal care or community rehabilitation where required.
The goal is to scale up and improve community-based care to help all seniors age in place more effectively.

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25 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Saktiandi Supaat praised the Budget's focus on future growth and raised concerns about cost of living, particularly the petrol duty hike, while suggesting ways to support manufacturing talent and digitalisation.
Alex Yam argued for mandatory vaccination to control the pandemic and criticized excessive spending without sustainable funding, using a cookie jar metaphor to caution against over-reliance on reserves.
Rachel Ong highlighted investments in low-income families and proposed long-term mentoring and savings initiatives to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Xie Yao Quan discussed the rising healthcare costs and the need for a balanced social compact, emphasizing sustainable subsidies, economic growth, and equitable support for vulnerable groups.

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25 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate focused on the need to balance immediate fiscal support for Singapore's recovery with long-term investments in infrastructure, human capital, and social support systems, with speakers expressing concerns about the sustainability of dipping into reserves and the need for a clear roadmap to replenish them.
Key proposals included implementing a living wage for low-wage workers, introducing a levy on Employment Pass holders to level the playing field for locals, and having the government cover MediShield and CareShield premiums to strengthen social security.
Discussions emphasized strengthening the social compact by addressing gaps for vulnerable groups, such as outsourced workers, seniors, women, persons with disabilities, and caregivers, with specific suggestions to improve working conditions, support caregiving, and enhance mental wellness initiatives.
The debate also highlighted the importance of future-proofing the economy through industry transformation, green initiatives, and digital empowerment, with calls for more rigorous audits of government schemes and greater collaboration between public, private, and community sectors.

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25 Feb 2021

Impact of Postponement of World Economic Forum Meeting on Singapore's Preparations

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Annual Meeting in Singapore was rescheduled from May 2021 to August 2021 due to global travel restrictions and COVID-19 challenges, with the government continuing preparations while monitoring the pandemic situation.
Singapore is leveraging its Safe Business Events Framework, including testing and safe management measures, to host the WEF meeting and other events like the ONE Championship and ATP Tour, while building capacity in testing, tracing, and vaccination.
The government remains open to hosting future international events and is building experience to manage them safely, considering both physical and virtual formats if the situation worsens.

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