Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

16 Feb 2021

Over-the-counter COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Kits

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired whether the government would permit over-the-counter COVID-19 self-test kits, such as those authorized in the US, to reduce the strain on public resources.
Gan Kim Yong stated that no applications for such test kits have been submitted to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), but suppliers are free to apply for registration and provisional approval.
The HSA has provisionally approved Antigen Rapid Test kits for use by trained personnel, and testing capacity remains sufficient with no restrictions or waiting lists for public testing.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and approve new testing technologies that are safe, effective, and meet public health needs.

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16 Feb 2021

Speeding up COVID-19 Vaccination and Update on Vaccination for Healthcare Workers

The Ministry of Health reported that approximately 73% of healthcare workers and 72% of frontline workers in essential sectors have received at least their first vaccine dose, with infection prevention protocols and mandatory testing for symptomatic staff remaining in place for all healthcare workers.
The vaccination programme's timeline is constrained by global vaccine supply availability, with a target to have sufficient doses for all residents by the third quarter and complete vaccinations by year-end, contingent on timely shipments and potential acceleration if supplies increase.
The Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) is available for those experiencing serious side effects from the vaccination, though the Minister did not provide specific figures on applicants or side effects during this debate.

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16 Feb 2021

Employers' Obligation to Provide Sufficient Masks to Their Migrant Worker Employees

Employers are responsible for ensuring all employees, including migrant workers, wear masks at work and must provide sufficient masks at no cost.
Government agencies actively monitor workplaces, with 98% of inspected sites having adequate mask supplies, and non-compliant employers are advised to improve.
Migrant workers can seek masks from the Migrant Workers’ Centre or MOM, and whistleblowers can report issues confidentially without fear of reprisal.

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16 Feb 2021

Annual Budget Statement

The government will draw up to $11 billion from past reserves to fund a new $11 billion COVID-19 Resilience Package, which focuses on public health, continued wage support for hard-hit sectors, and targeted aid for industries like aviation and arts.
Budget 2021 allocates $24 billion over three years for economic transformation, emphasizing business innovation, workforce upskilling through an expanded SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, and strengthening regional and digital connectivity.
To address long-term fiscal needs, the GST rate will be increased sometime between 2022 and 2025, while a new law will be introduced to allow government borrowing for major infrastructure projects.

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16 Feb 2021

Suicide Trends amongst Seniors and Enhancing Support for Them

Mr. Mohd Fahmi Aliman raised questions on suicide trends among seniors, specifically requesting data on suicides and attempts, numbers of affected seniors living alone, and details on mental health diagnoses and pandemic support measures.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded with 2019 figures showing 122 suicides among seniors aged 60 and above, and noted an increase in seniors living alone from 47,000 in 2016 to 67,600 in 2019, while citing the complexity of suicide causes and outlining multi-pronged government support initiatives.
The government’s approach includes upstream public awareness campaigns, targeted outreach and social support for isolated seniors, crisis intervention services like hotlines, and continued operations during the pandemic with remote engagements and additional helplines to address increased distress.

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16 Feb 2021

Financial Support Schemes for Working Care-givers of Cancer Patients

The government offers means-tested subsidies for cancer treatment, MediShield Life and MediSave coverage, and a $200 monthly Home Caregiving Grant, alongside tax reliefs for caregivers who meet specific conditions.
Caregivers can use their MediSave for approved dependants’ medical expenses, but withdrawal limits exist to balance supporting the patient and preserving the caregiver’s own future healthcare funds.
For cases exceeding current financial support, families are encouraged to seek case-by-case assistance through Medical Social Workers or MediFund, which provides a safety net without depleting the caregiver’s MediSave.

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16 Feb 2021

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who have Appealed for Their Foreigner Relatives to Enter Singapore Since Circuit Breaker

From April 2020 to January 2021, about 18,600 applications for entry by foreign family members of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents were processed, with 97% approved.
The remaining 3% of entry applications were rejected, mainly because the applicant could not provide proof of their connection to a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
During the same period, 371 appeals for waivers of costs for Stay-Home Notice facilities or COVID-19 tests for family members were processed, with about 60% being successful.

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16 Feb 2021

Borders Kept Open for Travellers from India and Indonesia Despite Large Number of Imported COVID-19 Cases from These Countries

Leong Mun Wai questioned why Singapore kept borders open to travellers from India and Indonesia despite high imported COVID-19 cases.
Dr Koh Poh Koon explained that closing borders would disrupt essential sectors like construction and domestic work, affecting homes and livelihoods.
Strict measures like pre-departure tests, on-arrival tests, and 14-day SHN are in place to manage risks from these travellers.
Additional protocols include Rostered Routine Testing for high-risk workers to detect infections early.
The government balances public health with economic needs by reviewing measures as the global situation evolves.

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16 Feb 2021

Percentage of Confirmed COVID-19 Cases for Each Country in Relation to Total Arrivals from Those Countries

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked for the percentage of confirmed COVID-19 cases for each country relative to arrivals and whether travel insurance would be required for all foreigners.
The Senior Minister of State for Health stated that less than 1% of total arrivals since April 2020 tested positive, with specific rates for arrivals from Malaysia (0.04%), Mainland China (0.01%), Indonesia (1.6%), and India (3.7%).
Starting January 2021, Work Permit and S Pass holders must have medical insurance for COVID-19 treatment, and from February 2021, short-term visitors must purchase travel insurance for COVID-19-related costs.
The government will consider extending insurance requirements to other travellers based on the COVID-19 situation and insurance market availability.

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16 Feb 2021

Measures to Prevent World Economic Forum’s Special Annual Meeting In Singapore from Becoming Super Spreader Event

The Ministry of Health is implementing rigorous testing and safe management measures, including mask-wearing, safe distancing, and mandatory TraceTogether use, in place of Stay-Home Notices for event attendees.
A physical segregation of attendees from the local community will be enforced to minimize transmission risks between delegates and the broader public.
Contingency plans for a potential COVID-19 outbreak at the event will follow existing protocols for contact tracing, isolation, and follow-up, similar to those used for other events.
The government will continuously assess the global and local COVID-19 situation and adjust measures as necessary before the meeting.

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16 Feb 2021

Assessment Criteria in Granting Approval to Organise In-person Global Conferences Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The Minister of State explained that approvals for in-person conferences like the World Economic Forum’s Special Annual Meeting are guided by the Safe Business Events framework, which mandates strict public health protocols such as testing and safe management measures.
He noted that the government is still finalizing logistical details and cannot yet disclose costs and revenues, but emphasized the event’s expected benefits for Singapore’s economy, international standing, and local companies.
The decision to host the event in-person was influenced by the World Economic Forum’s choice of Singapore, with the government aiming to signal confidence in safely hosting major international events and to highlight Asia’s economic role.
In response to a follow-up, the Minister highlighted Singapore’s growing expertise in hybrid events and the need to balance in-person interactions with safety measures, while continuously monitoring the global COVID-19 situation.

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2 Feb 2021

One-room Rental Flats Accommodating More Than Three Occupants and Measure to Minimise Spread of Diseases in Overcrowded Flats

The Minister reported that about 2,300 one-room rental flats, or 9% of such households, accommodate three or more occupants, with most larger families already residing in 2-room flats.
Households that have grown in size can apply to move to larger rental flats, such as 2-room or 3-room units, or request two separate flats in the same block if they form two distinct nuclei, subject to availability.
HDB conducts regular tenancy inspections to ensure only approved occupants live in flats and that properties are well-maintained, while also linking families needing additional assistance with social service agencies.
During the Circuit Breaker period, HDB performed extra checks on rental blocks to enforce safe distancing and maintain cleanliness in common areas to minimise disease spread.

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2 Feb 2021

Expanding Clinical Training and Supervision Programmes for Students of Clinical Psychology to Increase Future Headcount in Public Healthcare System

Leon Perera proposed expanding clinical training and supervision programmes and providing financial support to increase future psychologists in public healthcare.
Gan Kim Yong noted limited local programme capacity and a steady rise in public sector psychologists, with ongoing reviews of national supply plans.
Multiple financial schemes exist, including awards from MOH Holdings and NCSS, scholarships for students, and support for in-service professionals to pursue postgraduate qualifications.

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2 Feb 2021

Median Waiting Time for Appointment for Non-emergency Dental Services at Polyclinics in Last Three Years

In 2018 and 2019, the median waiting time for non-emergency dental appointments at polyclinics was about four months, rising to 5.3 months in 2020 due to safe management measures.
Emergency dental cases are seen on the same day at polyclinics or referred to specialty centers if needed, while non-urgent cases face longer waits and are prioritized alongside deferred cases as clinics gradually return to normal capacity.
Safe management measures, such as appointment-only visits and infection control, remain in place in Phase 3, with some earlier intervals between patients relaxed to improve throughput.
Subsidies for non-emergency dental services are available for eligible groups at private CHAS clinics, and the number of CHAS dental clinics is over 800, with new polyclinics like Eunos Polyclinic to open in 2021.
The Ministry of Health monitors and reviews dental capacity in both public and private sectors to meet the care needs of Singaporeans during this exceptional period.

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2 Feb 2021

Number and Sufficiency of Patient Navigators Employed across Restructured Hospitals and Specialty Centres

As of end 2020, there were about 360 full-time equivalent staff in patient navigation roles across public acute hospitals and specialty centres, including trained nurses.
The ratio of patient navigators to patients is determined by each institution based on workload and patient needs, with navigation roles being part of the nursing skills framework and sometimes performed by community nurses.
The number of staff in these roles has grown by 3% annually over the past three years (2018–2020), reflecting incremental adjustments rather than a specific target ratio.

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2 Feb 2021

Sharing Information on Structure and Workflow in Singapore's Public Healthcare Clusters with Integrated Shield Plan Insurers to Facilitate Disbursements of Claims by Patients for Care Received

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether Integrated Shield Plan insurers are informed about the structure and workflow of public healthcare clusters to help patients avoid administrative hurdles when claiming reimbursement.
The Minister for Health explained that inpatient claims are integrated and streamlined for both MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans, with institutions submitting claims directly through the MediClaim system.
For outpatient claims under Integrated Shield Plans, patients must file claims directly with insurers and may need to provide supporting documents, but MOH and CPFB work with insurers and institutions to resolve issues and ensure smooth reimbursement.
The government continues to partner stakeholders to further streamline claim processes, especially for referrals across institutions as part of clinical protocols.

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2 Feb 2021

Applications Made for Rare Disease Fund

Mr Leon Perera asked the Ministry for Health about the number of applications received, eligibility criteria for applicants and rare diseases, and the timeline for covering more rare diseases under the Rare Disease Fund.
The Rare Disease Fund (RDF), established in 2019, supports Singapore Citizens with rare genetic diseases through charitable donations with 250% tax deduction and government matching, and is operated on an endowment basis for sustainability.
Applications are assessed by an independent committee considering clinical eligibility, financial need, and other support, with annual reviews; currently, six medicines for four conditions have been approved, benefiting six patients.
The RDF Committee aims to raise more funds, and the Government remains committed to a 3:1 matching contribution to expand support for patients with rare diseases.

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2 Feb 2021

Detention and Treatment under Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act

Mr. Leon Perera asked for statistics on detentions under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act, police training on mental illness, and whether the Act would be reviewed after Singapore ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that from 2016 to 2020, an annual average of 1,460 persons were detained for over 72 hours up to one month, with 128 detained for 1–6 months and 14 for more than six months, and that detention is only used when there is a risk to self or others.
The Institute of Mental Health does not specifically track rehabilitation outcomes for detained patients, and police officers receive training and follow SOPs to identify and interact with persons with potential mental health issues.
The Ministry of Health has no plans to amend the Act, as it is already compliant with Singapore’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and patients are treated with respect and can provide feedback on services.

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2 Feb 2021

Trends for Disabilities in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Impact on Payouts for Long-term Care Insurance Schemes

Mr Yip Hon Weng inquired about trends in disabilities related to Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), their impact on employment and financial independence, and whether they could be included in long-term care insurance eligibility criteria.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that IADLs involve complex activities requiring higher cognitive functions, but Singapore lacks representative data on such trends; current long-term care schemes like CareShield Life use basic ADLs for assessments to balance support and affordability.
The Ministry has improved the severe disability assessment framework since 2020 to better account for cognitive impairments, allowing more individuals with cognitive issues to qualify for payouts under schemes like CareShield Life and ElderFund.
For those not qualifying for severe disability schemes, alternative support is available through the Home Caregiving Grant, Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession, and government safety nets like MediFund or ComCare.

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2 Feb 2021

Recruiting Sufficient Number of Foreign Workers Whilst Ensuring COVID-19-safe Work Environment

Murali Pillai asked for the ratio of foreign workers to man-year entitlements, its comparison over the past two years, and steps to recruit sufficient foreign workers while maintaining a COVID-19-safe environment.
Josephine Teo stated that the ratio is not a meaningful indicator due to multi-year MYE allocations and hiring beyond quotas, noting a 15% decline in foreign workers in key sectors despite expected demand growth in 2021.
The Ministry has allowed safe entry of new workers since December 2020, implementing testing regimes, border measures, and workplace safety protocols to minimize COVID-19 risks.
Employers must adhere to Safe Management Measures, including site segregation and regular testing for dormitory residents, while enhancing contact tracing and safe living practices.
The government continues to adjust measures based on the operating environment to balance manpower needs with public health safeguards.

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