Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

1 Feb 2021

Guidelines on Students with Gender Dysphoria

The Ministry of Education focuses on providing a supportive and conducive learning environment for students with gender dysphoria, with medical treatment decisions handled by professionals and families, requiring parental consent for minors.
Schools can exercise flexibility on rules for students with valid medical grounds, working individually with stakeholders including medical professionals, students, and parents to make practical arrangements.
The Ministry declines to present regular public reports to Parliament, citing respect for family privacy and the need to avoid public airing of sensitive situations.

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1 Feb 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Roll-out for Migrant Workers

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed that migrant workers will be included in the national vaccination timeline, with prioritization based on the risk level of their dormitories.
A comprehensive communication campaign will be launched to educate migrant workers about vaccine safety and benefits, using materials in their native languages.
The government will collaborate with NGOs to reinforce vaccination messages and provide reassurances to facilitate vaccine uptake among migrant workers.
Vaccination of migrant workers is intended to reduce infection risks in dormitories, protect the wider community, and ease the burden on healthcare facilities.

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1 Feb 2021

Progress of Nation-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

As of 31 January 2021, over 155,000 individuals had received their first vaccine dose, with plans to set up around 40 vaccination centres and ensure accessibility for the elderly and those with mobility issues through polyclinics, mobile teams, and community volunteers.
Four cases of anaphylaxis were reported among vaccinated individuals, all of whom recovered after timely treatment, with an incidence rate of about 2.6 per 100,000 doses; the government continues to monitor vaccine safety closely and reiterates that benefits outweigh risks.
Vaccination priority is given to healthcare workers, frontline personnel, seniors, and essential workers due to limited vaccine supply, while requests for early vaccination for travel or other reasons are being considered but cannot be accommodated at this stage.

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5 Jan 2021

Statistics on Singaporeans and Foreigners Tested Positive When Travelling through Reciprocal Green Lanes

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health for statistics on Singaporeans and foreigners using Reciprocal Green Lanes, including breakdowns by destination and positive COVID-19 test results upon arrival or before departure.
Gan Kim Yong responded that as of 26 December 2020, nearly 2,500 travellers arrived via seven RGLs, with two foreigners from Japan testing positive during mandatory on-arrival tests.
The Ministry of Health does not track foreigners who tested positive in pre-departure tests within 72 hours before travel, as they are barred from entering Singapore.

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5 Jan 2021

Donation of Frozen Embroyos

Melvin Yong inquired about the percentage of couples who donate unused frozen embryos, any ethnic differences in donation rates, and ways to encourage more donations to help couples unable to conceive naturally.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong revealed that only three couples donated embryos in the past five years, too few for meaningful ethnic comparison, and demand is low due to requirements for genetic links in assisted reproduction.
Gan emphasized that embryo donation is a deeply personal decision and AR centres provide counselling to respect couples' autonomy while facilitating donations when desired.

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5 Jan 2021

Average Waiting Time for Subsided Bed in Nursing Home

Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Health about the average waiting time for a government-subsidised nursing home bed and the support provided to seniors and families during the interim period.
The Ministry of Health stated that nursing home placements are prioritised for seniors with significant care needs and weak family support, with the median waiting time for a subsidised bed remaining stable at around one month.
While waiting for placement, the Agency for Integrated Care helps seniors and caregivers explore alternative care arrangements, such as home-based and community services.
One interim support option is the Interim Caregiver Scheme, which offers time-limited post-discharge custodial care for seniors, six days a week for 10 to 12 hours daily.
Other available services during the interim period include home medical, home nursing, home personal care, meals delivery, and medical escort and transport.

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5 Jan 2021

Including Accredited TCM Clinics in the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)

Mr Don Wee proposed including accredited TCM clinics in CHAS to support seniors seeking TCM treatment.
MOH stated no plans to extend CHAS subsidies to TCM clinics, noting TCM's complementary role and existing support measures like funding and research.
MOH highlighted that charitable TCM establishments with IPC status receive tax exemptions and donations to aid affordable services.

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5 Jan 2021

Breakdown on Number of Persons of Unsound Mind Detained under Section 252 of Criminal Procedure Code

In the past three years, two persons were acquitted under the Penal Code for acts due to unsound mind and detained under Section 252 of the CPC, with one discharged after about 2.5 years and the other still detained as of January 2021.
Detained individuals are evaluated every six months by two visitors, one a medical practitioner, who report to the Minister for Law on their mental state and suitability for discharge, considering factors like the disorder's nature, treatment response, and social support.
The Minister for Law may order discharge if certified safe by the principal officer and visitors, and may also consider the severity of the committed act in evaluations.

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5 Jan 2021

Preventing Doctors from Issuing Insufficient Medical Leave

Leon Perera raised concerns about doctors issuing insufficient medical leave, especially for blue-collar and migrant workers, and asked about protections and a whistleblower hotline.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that doctors must use clinical judgment and follow ethical guidelines, and that complaints can be filed with the Singapore Medical Council, which may take disciplinary action.
He added that all employees, including blue-collar and migrant workers, are protected by the Employment Act and can seek help from MOM if they feel medical leave is insufficient.

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5 Jan 2021

Government Oversight of Platforms that Publish Fees Charges by Doctors and Dentists

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned whether platforms like DoctorxDentist that list and review healthcare workers are directly regulated and what recourse exists for inaccurate or misleading information about individuals or platform operations.
The Ministry of Health explained its risk-based regulatory approach focuses on direct healthcare providers, while indirect platforms like DoctorxDentist are not directly licensed but are subject to the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act for misleading advertisements.
Healthcare professionals using such platforms must follow professional board guidelines, and individuals can request profile removal or contact MOH if uncooperative, with the new Healthcare Services Act set to strengthen oversight of indirect providers’ advertising.

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5 Jan 2021

Cross-subsidisation of MediShield Life Premiums between Private and Public Hospitals

The Ministry balances cross-subsidisation between private and public hospitals by pro-rating private hospital bills to an equivalent public ward level, with the pro-ration factor being lowered from 35% to 25% to better align with cost differences.
There is no cap on administrative costs for private Integrated Shield Plans, as insurers set premiums based on commercial and actuarial considerations, but the government encourages consumers to consider long-term affordability.
To keep MediShield Life premiums affordable, the government is providing about $2.2 billion in subsidies and support over three years, limiting net premium increases to around 10% in the first year, and offering measures like MediSave top-ups and premium deferrals for those affected by COVID-19.

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5 Jan 2021

Clarification by Minister for Foreign Affairs

The Minister for Foreign Affairs clarified that TraceTogether’s primary purpose is COVID-19 contact tracing, emphasizing its high participation rate and privacy protections, including Bluetooth-only data collection, 25-day auto-purge, and no GPS tracking.
He acknowledged that under the Criminal Procedure Code, police can access TraceTogether data for serious criminal investigations, though this power must be exercised judiciously, and committed to transparency and maintaining public trust.
Ministers responded to questions about data deletion post-pandemic, potential impact on adoption, and specific assurances that most Singaporeans would not be affected, reiterating the balance between public health and privacy.

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5 Jan 2021

Health Requirements and Contingency Plans for Singapore Hosting World Economic Forum in 2021

Health protocols for attendees will include pre-departure and on-arrival testing, strict safe management measures during the event, and segregation from the local community to minimize transmission risks.
Singapore is engaging local companies and talents through partnerships with the event organizer to showcase the country’s ability to host events safely amid the pandemic.
Contingency plans are being developed based on evolving COVID-19 situations locally and globally, with a focus on maintaining health and safety without compromising economic activity.
The government is evaluating the global and local vaccine rollout but has not mandated vaccination for the majority of the public before the event, relying on prevailing travel and health conditions.

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4 Jan 2021

Measures in Place to Ensure Physically Challenged Are Not Unduly Inconvenienced by COVID-19-related Entry and Exit Controls at Facilities and Buildings

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development about measures to ensure physically challenged individuals are not unduly inconvenienced by COVID-19 entry and exit controls at facilities and buildings.
Desmond Lee stated that building owners and occupiers must continue to meet BCA's Code on Accessibility requirements, including providing at least one accessible entrance and route to key features like lifts and accessible toilets.
He added that agencies will work with building owners to address feedback on accessibility issues and explore solutions to reduce inconvenience for physically challenged visitors.

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4 Jan 2021

Rationale for Stay-Home Notices for Non-Singapore Airlines Flight Crews But Not for Singapore-based Airlines

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked why flight crews from non-Singapore airlines must serve Stay-Home Notices (SHNs) while Singapore-based airline crews do not, prompting a response from Minister Ong Ye Kung.
Ong Ye Kung explained that Singapore-based air crews follow strict COVID-19 protocols, including mask use, limited passenger interaction, dedicated transport, hotel isolation, and mandatory PCR testing, with enhanced measures like frequent testing and self-isolation for those from high-risk countries.
The minister noted that these measures align with those for other frontline workers like doctors and nurses, who also do not require SHNs after duty due to protective protocols.
He stated that foreign airline crews must comply with the same preventive measures to avoid SHNs; otherwise, they will serve SHNs regardless of their departure country.
The government is also considering prioritizing air crews for vaccinations to further mitigate risks.

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4 Jan 2021

Average Waiting Time for Outpatient Appointments at Specialist Clinics at Restructured Hospitals in Each Month of 2020

From January to November 2020, the median waiting time for subsidised patients at public hospital specialist outpatient clinics ranged from 24 to 35 days, with the longest wait in May and a decline to 25 days by November.
Hospitals implemented measures such as prioritising patients with higher medical needs, offering tele-consultations, home medication delivery, regular case reviews, and referrals to hospitals with shorter waiting times.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring waiting times and working with hospitals to improve access while balancing healthcare resources during the pandemic.

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4 Jan 2021

Travellers Entering Singapore Since 1 July 2020 without Pre-departure COVID-19 PCR Test Taken

Gerald Giam Yean Song queried the number of travellers, including Singapore residents and children under 6, who entered Singapore since 1 July 2020 without a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test, how many tested positive upon arrival, and how risks are managed for untested young children.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the question had already been addressed via a Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Education as Co-Chair of the Multi-Ministry Task Force on 4 January 2021.

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4 Jan 2021

Imposing Closer Scrutiny on Travellers Arriving from UK and Europe Given Outbreak of New COVID-19 Strain

Melvin Yong asked whether the Multi-Ministry Taskforce would impose closer scrutiny on travellers from the UK and Europe due to a new COVID-19 strain and if data shows current vaccines are effective against it.
Gan Kim Yong responded that the matter had already been addressed through ministerial statements by the Co-Chairs of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce on 4 January 2021.
The debate highlighted concerns about travel-related risks and vaccine efficacy without introducing new policy proposals.

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4 Jan 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination for Singaporeans and Long-term Residents

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Health about the definition of long-term residents, the estimated number of Singaporeans and long-term residents, and the expected cost of providing free COVID-19 vaccines to all.
Gan Kim Yong responded that the matter had already been addressed in a Ministerial Statement by the Minister for Health on 4 January 2021.
The debate highlighted the government's stance on free and voluntary vaccination for Singaporeans and long-term residents, with reference to prior official announcements.

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4 Jan 2021

Testing Staff of Social Services Agencies for COVID-19 on Regular Basis Prior before Obtaining Vaccination

Joan Pereira proposed regular COVID-19 testing for social service agency staff before vaccination to protect the elderly they serve.
Gan Kim Yong explained that regular testing is part of a broader set of measures and is prioritized for high-risk settings like residential care homes.
For non-residential social services, a one-time test was conducted in June 2020, and regular testing will be reconsidered if community infection rates rise.
The government uses a risk-based approach, focusing on the vulnerability of the seniors and the settings in which they are cared for.

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