Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

1 Feb 2021

Seeking Assistance with MediShield Life Premiums Payments

The government provides premium subsidies of up to 50% for lower and middle-income households, with additional subsidies for Pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors, and uses MediSave for premium payments, including family support.
A COVID-19 subsidy was introduced to cap net premium increases at about 10% in the first year, with premium payment deferrals for those affected, and no applications are needed for most subsidies which are automatically extended.
For those still facing difficulties, Additional Premium Support (APS) covers outstanding and future premiums for two years, with applications processed within 20 days, and no one loses coverage due to payment issues.
Subsidies are designed as a percentage of premiums, so they increase with inflation, and financial reassessments can be appealed for major changes in circumstances.

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1 Feb 2021

Option to Receive Early COVID-19 Vaccination for Singaporeans who are Required to Travel for Work and Studies

Miss Rachel Ong asked if Singaporeans needing to travel for work or studies could opt for early COVID-19 vaccination.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that global vaccine supply is limited and arriving in batches, with potential delays, so allocation must be prioritized for healthcare workers, frontline personnel, seniors, and essential services.
He stated that while the government understands the anxiety of those wishing to travel, vaccination for these groups cannot be accommodated now due to supply constraints, but will be considered when supply is more certain.

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1 Feb 2021

Projected Rise in Cost of Medical Services and Health Insurance in 2021

The Ministry of Health outlined that rising healthcare costs are driven by an aging population, medical advancements, and increased manpower and operating expenses, and it has been publishing fee benchmarks and phasing out zero co-payment Integrated Shield Plans to encourage responsible consumption.
For MediShield Life, the government will adjust premiums to match rising claims and benefits, provide up to $2.2 billion in subsidies over three years to keep net premium increases to about 10% in the first year, and offer support like MediSave top-ups and deferred payments for those affected by COVID-19.
The government encourages Singaporeans to choose healthcare coverage wisely, consider long-term affordability of private insurance, and adopt healthy lifestyles through initiatives like regular screenings and vaccinations to manage costs sustainably.

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1 Feb 2021

Initiatives to Equip People with Mental Health First Aid

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Health will roll out initiatives to equip people with mental health first aid.
Gan Kim Yong outlined existing efforts such as school programmes, workplace training, community campaigns, and online resources to promote mental health literacy and support.
The government plans to continue working with agencies and community partners to expand mental health first aid outreach across different sectors.

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1 Feb 2021

Breakdown of 2020 Budgets for Expenditure Items Amounting to $100 Million and above

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance outlined that $97.3 billion was committed through five 2020 Budgets to support Singapore's economy and society during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 85% comprising direct transfers, grants, and loans to individuals, businesses, and households.
Of the total, $13.8 billion was allocated to Ministries and Statutory Boards for operational COVID-19 responses, including $10 billion for medical and emergency operations (MOH/MTI), $2.9 billion for quarantine and migrant worker facilities (MND), and $0.9 billion for managing dormitory outbreaks (MOM).
Multiple agencies awarded contracts to over 100 suppliers for medical supplies and over 150 suppliers for facility management and dormitory support, with procurement adapted to global shortages and aimed at securing value for money.

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1 Feb 2021

Extension of Childcare Leave Period to Facilitate Parents' Care Arrangements for Children Placed on Mandatory Sick Leave

Murali Pillai asked the Prime Minister to consider extending childcare leave during the pandemic, given the advisory for five days of sick leave for children with respiratory symptoms.
Indranee Rajah, responding for the Prime Minister, explained that while parents face challenges, existing childcare leave entitlements and annual leave already provide support, and any changes must balance employer needs with parental care responsibilities.
The government encourages employers to adopt flexible work arrangements and Tripartite Standards instead of expanding leave provisions, promoting a sustainable family-friendly work environment.

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1 Feb 2021

Awareness of Need for Cervical Cancer Checks

Joan Pereira asked for statistics on awareness and practice of cervical cancer screening in Singapore and whether the Ministry will collaborate with tertiary institutions to educate students.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong provided screening guidelines and shared that 88.5% of women aged 25–74 are aware of cervical cancer tests, with about half having been screened in the last three years, though awareness is lower among younger women.
The Ministry and Health Promotion Board are working with partners on public education campaigns, school curricula, and student-led initiatives to raise awareness about cervical cancer and early detection.

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1 Feb 2021

Updates to Work-from-home Advisory in Phase Three of Re-opening

The government confirmed that work-from-home remains the default working arrangement in Phase Three, with no more than 50% of employees who can work from home allowed at the workplace at any time, and those employees must work from home for at least half their working hours.
These Safe Management Measures are subject to adjustment based on COVID-19 trends and public health risks, with possible easing or tightening in the future depending on the evolving situation.
The tripartite partners encourage employers to continue providing flexible work arrangements, including work-from-home, to support work-life harmony, and are promoting adoption through initiatives like Work-Life Ambassadors and sector-specific communities of practice.

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1 Feb 2021

Support for Seniors and Care-givers Facing Mental Health Challenges

The Ministry of Health works with community partners under the Community Mental Health Masterplan to provide outreach and support services for seniors and caregivers facing mental health challenges, including 48 outreach teams that reached over 324,000 people by June 2020.
The Caregiver Support Action Plan launched in 2019 offers care navigation, respite care, financial aid, and socio-emotional support, with specialized teams assisting caregivers at risk of depression, anxiety, or burnout.
The long-term care workforce has grown significantly, with a 67% increase from 2014 to 2019, and initiatives like increased nursing training places and employment facilitation schemes aim to meet rising demand.

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1 Feb 2021

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Waiting Time for Admission to Nursing Homes

The waiting time for a subsidised nursing home bed has remained stable at around one month, with placements prioritised based on care need and family support.
COVID-19 did not stop admissions, but introduced additional safety measures like testing and isolation for new admissions and residents returning from hospitals.
While awaiting placement, families can seek support from the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) for alternative options like home-based care, interim caregiver services, or integrated home and day care programmes.

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1 Feb 2021

Medical Costs of Foreign Domestic Workers

Lim Biow Chuan questioned the policy requiring employers to bear all medical costs for foreign domestic workers, even when treatment is unrelated to their work.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that employers must provide medical insurance covering at least $15,000 for hospitalisation, regardless of the cause, to ensure workers receive care and employers can manage expenses.
She noted this insurance has covered 95% of hospitalisation bills in the past three years and employers can seek hospital social work assistance if facing financial difficulties.

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1 Feb 2021

Telecommuting Options for School Teachers and School Staff

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if teachers and staff in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, or those with immune deficiencies could be allowed to telecommute due to rising COVID-19 cases.
Lawrence Wong stated that MOE follows workforce advisories from the Multi-Ministry Taskforce, Ministry of Manpower, and Public Service Division, and that physical presence in schools is needed to support operations and prevent disruption to student learning.
MOE allows flexibility where operationally feasible, such as staggered hours or working from home on days with no physical classes, and gives extra care to vulnerable staff by avoiding high-exposure roles.
Schools have implemented stringent safe management measures to ensure a safe environment for staff and students.
MOE continues to prioritize staff well-being and minimize exposure risks while maintaining school operations.

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1 Feb 2021

Madrasah Students Diagnosed with Mental Health Conditions

MUIS partners with mental health organisations like Club HEAL to provide counselling for madrasah students, with 175 cases referred between 2018 and 2020 for issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Madrasahs conduct mental health awareness programmes and implement peer support systems, while teachers receive training grants and programmes to address student mental health needs.
There are about 270 teachers across six full-time madrasahs, with 60% benefiting from training support grants and some receiving specialised counselling certificates to assist students.

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1 Feb 2021

Appeals for Medical Subsidy for Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant Pass Holders

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of appeals for medical subsidies for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Dependant Pass holders in the past five years, the approval rate, use of MediSave, and whether medical insurance could be a requirement for pass approval.
Gan Kim Yong stated that medical subsidies are generally for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with LTVP+ holders eligible for inpatient subsidies since 2012, and that sponsors can use MediSave for immediate family members, though specific figures for LTVP/Dependant Pass holders are not tracked.
The Ministry of Health receives fewer than 20 financing-related appeals annually for LTVP holders and noted that while insurance could help, a mandatory requirement needs careful consideration to balance affordability and coverage benefits.
Public healthcare institutions may provide assistance through charity funds or installment plans based on medical social workers' assessments for those facing financial difficulties.

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1 Feb 2021

Helping Companies Transit into TraceTogether-only SafeEntry Phase

The government plans to implement TraceTogether-only SafeEntry at high-traffic or high-risk venues, with more than half of the 40,000 affected establishments already ready to accept TraceTogether token check-ins.
Businesses will be assisted through guides and ambassador support, and some SafeEntry check-ins may be removed to reduce inconvenience, such as allowing a single mall check-in to cover internal stores.
The government is working on solutions to simplify the transition and will announce details later, with physical scanner upgrades or app downloads suggested for non-compliant businesses.
No specific cost defrayal details for smaller establishments were provided, but support focuses on capability building and smoother implementation.

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1 Feb 2021

Management Support for Frontline Healthcare Workers who are Verbally or Physically Harassed

Ng Ling Ling asked whether public healthcare institutions are required to have clear policies for escalating harassment cases, providing tiered support based on severity, and reporting case numbers to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Gan Kim Yong stated that MOH and public institutions have a zero-tolerance policy, established escalation processes, and track incidents internally, though individual case reporting to MOH is not mandatory.
The Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) provides enhanced protection for healthcare workers on duty, with reported cases rising from 1,080 in 2018 to 1,300 in 2020, and police reports under POHA Section 6 increasing from 40 to 58 over the same period.
Public healthcare institutions offer support systems including helplines, counselling, peer programmes, and training modules to help staff manage harassment and stress, with MOH committed to monitoring and enhancing staff well-being.

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1 Feb 2021

Lessons for Maritime Sector from Bunker Vessel NewOcean 6's COVID-19 Cluster

The Ministry explained that the COVID-19 cluster on the bunker vessel "NewOcean 6" occurred despite existing safety protocols, as an imported crew member who tested negative pre-departure and upon arrival later developed symptoms, leading to 12 other crew members and one shore-based officer testing positive, though no further community spread occurred.
In response, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) enhanced measures including reducing the pre-departure Stay-Home Notice for incoming harbour craft crew to 5 days, adding a 14-day SHN upon arrival, and requiring a negative test before boarding, alongside testing all crew on vessels that had crew changes since December 2020.
New measures also include introducing contactless bunkering operations, tightening testing intervals for shore-based personnel to every 7 days, implementing SafeEntry@Sea requiring a negative test within 72 hours before boarding ships, and increasing enforcement with fines or imprisonment for non-compliance.
The government has begun vaccinating 17,000 frontline maritime personnel, with over 13,000 receiving their first dose by late January 2021, targeting completion by end-February 2021 to secure the maritime border.

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1 Feb 2021

Utilisation Rates of Funds Set Aside to Help Families, Workers and Businesses During COVID-19 Pandemic

Heng Swee Keat outlined three main areas of spending from the $100 billion COVID-19 support package, allocating $13.8 billion to public health, $73.5 billion to protect livelihoods, and $10 billion to social and household support.
The funds supported testing, contact tracing, vaccine procurement, wage subsidies, business loans, and direct payments to households, with over half a million individuals receiving assistance through specific schemes.
The government expects not to fully utilise the $100 billion as some areas saw higher take-up than expected while others required less support, with future resource allocation to be detailed in the 2021 Budget.

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1 Feb 2021

Amount Spent on Supporting Dormitory Operators to Comply With COVID-19-related Measures

The Government spent $4.6 million to reimburse dormitory operators for COVID-19 measures like cleaning, utilities, and infrastructure from April to August last year.
Support was provided because new safety requirements were not originally planned for by operators, and claims are assessed for prudence and reasonableness.
The Ministry of Manpower imposes a cap on claim amounts, and further claims are pending assessment.

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1 Feb 2021

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment) Bill on behalf of the Minister for Law, with a Certificate of Urgency signed by the President.
The Bill's first reading was conducted, and copies were distributed to Members, with the second reading scheduled for the next day.
The Speaker confirmed the Certificate of Urgency was in order and procedural steps were followed for the Bill's introduction.

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