Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Nov 2020

Eligibility Criteria for Grants Distribution Based on Per Capita Income Per Household

The government uses per capita household income based on shared residential addresses to identify those needing financial support during the pandemic, with flexibility for appeals from families supporting members outside the household.
Support schemes like the COVID-19 Support Grant consider both household income and per capita income criteria to account for varying household sizes and expenses.
Social Service Offices and community partners are available to assist families with extenuating circumstances who may not meet standard eligibility criteria.
The Ministry reviews social assistance schemes regularly to adapt to the changing needs of vulnerable groups.

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4 Nov 2020

Impact of 2019 Decriminalisation of Suicide on Number of Reported Cases and on Persons Tempted to Commit Suicide

In 2019, there were 400 cases of death by suicide, and preliminary data for January–September 2020 shows 166 cases.
From January to September 2020, Police assisted in about 1,800 cases involving persons with suicidal ideation or attempted suicide, compared to about 1,200 reports per year from 2017 to 2019 before decriminalisation.
The decriminalisation of attempted suicide aims to reduce stigma and encourage early help-seeking, with the government continuing to monitor and adjust suicide prevention efforts.

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4 Nov 2020

Walk-in Consultations at Polyclinics for Mental Health Issues

Dr Wan Rizal proposed that mental health services in polyclinics be made available for walk-ins to reduce treatment delays, rather than requiring referrals or appointments.
The Senior Minister of State for Health outlined that mental health services are already integrated in polyclinics and supported by trained GPs, community outreach teams, and subsidized care programs to provide accessible, less stigmatizing support.
The Ministry emphasizes a choice of care pathways and opposes making mental health programs mandatory for all GP clinics, focusing instead on expanding voluntary participation and ensuring broad access through existing community networks.

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4 Nov 2020

Ensuring Emotional and Mental Health Wellness at Workplaces

The Ministry of Manpower is collaborating with agencies and tripartite partners to enhance mental wellness support at workplaces, including releasing advisories and a forthcoming Tripartite Advisory to guide employers on good practices.
Existing resources like HPB's workshops, the iWorkHealth assessment tool, and community programs provide practical support, with about 37,000 workers benefiting from mental wellness initiatives to date.
The ministry maintains a promotional rather than mandatory approach, citing varying workplace stressors, but notes that the Workplace Safety and Health Act already requires employers to protect employees' overall health, including mental well-being.
Programs are evaluated for efficacy through established KPIs, though tracking every mental health issue is challenging due to external factors; the ministry will continue monitoring and adapting measures as the situation evolves.

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4 Nov 2020

TraceTogether Tokens for Seniors

The government has distributed over 570,000 TraceTogether tokens to seniors, starting with areas with higher elderly populations and expanding to all community centres, while the app remains a viable alternative for smartphone users.
In response to high demand and distribution challenges, such as shortages at pop-up booths, the government is ramping up token production, adjusting distribution plans to limit collection to local residents, and ensuring TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is not implemented until all who need tokens have access to them.
Clarifications were provided on replacement procedures for damaged or depleted tokens, the security of stolen tokens (with no access to personal data), and plans for future distribution, including potential school-based collection and ongoing public education to improve app usage and reduce queues.

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4 Nov 2020

Factors in Deciding Number of People for Various Gatherings in Phase Three of Safe Reopening

The Minister for Health explained that deciding group size limits for Phase Three involves balancing the need for social and economic activities with the inherent risk of COVID-19 transmission, considering factors like event frequency, nature, and the feasibility of safety measures.
For social gatherings and dining, the group size is being increased cautiously from five to eight persons, while for higher-risk events like weddings, additional safeguards such as SafeEntry, TraceTogether, and potential pre-event testing are required to manage risks.
If COVID-19 cases spike during Phase Three, the government is prepared to swiftly re-impose measures or revert to Phase Two, emphasizing that individual compliance with safe management measures is critical to maintaining progress.

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3 Nov 2020

Plans for Green Lanes or Special Travel Arrangements between Singapore and USA and Precautionary Measures in Place for Incoming Passengers

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about current travel arrangements between Singapore and the USA, plans for green lanes or special travel arrangements, and COVID-19 precautionary measures for inbound passengers from the USA, given the high infection rates.
Ong Ye Kung stated that short-term visitors from the USA are not allowed entry unless they are immediate family members of Singapore Citizens or PRs, spouses-to-be, or non-residents with extenuating reasons, and all entering must serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice with a COVID-19 test.
The government advises Singaporeans to defer non-essential travel to the USA, and no negotiations for green lanes or special arrangements with the USA have begun.

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3 Nov 2020

National Dementia Testing and Support Plan

The National Dementia Strategy, developed in 2009 and updated in 2017, guides care and support for persons with dementia and their caregivers, including community outreach teams that have reached over 324,000 people.
Government subsidies are available for dementia treatment, with up to 80% subsidies for hospital stays, outpatient subsidies at specialist clinics, polyclinics, and GP clinics under the enhanced CHAS scheme, and increased withdrawal limits under MediSave and Flexi-MediSave.
Middle-income families can access chronic CHAS subsidies for dementia care, with enhanced annual caps and additional support for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors, while MediFund is available for those facing financial difficulties.

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3 Nov 2020

Implementing Structured, Comprehensive Strategies to Reduce Mental Healthcare Costs in Public and Private Sectors

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about structured strategies to reduce mental healthcare costs, review of MediShield and MediSave limits, and collaboration with social welfare organisations to meet increased demand.
The COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce is addressing psychosocial impacts and identifying gaps, while MediSave usage for mental health conditions is increasing from $500 to $700 annually, with additional Flexi-MediSave for older adults.
MediShield Life is being reviewed to raise psychiatric claim limits from $100 to $160 per day with extended coverage days, and MOH is working with community partners to expand mental health services and resources.

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3 Nov 2020

Busking Despite On-going COVID-19 Situation

Louis Ng asked whether buskers can resume performing, when, and if not, why not, given the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
Edwin Tong responded that the Ministry is exploring safe busking pilots at selected venues with strict health measures, but faces challenges like high-risk activities and crowd management.
The Ministry is encouraging buskers to use digital platforms and upskill, with initiatives like online performances and virtual talks to support the arts community during the pandemic.

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3 Nov 2020

Reducing Volume and Frequency of Pre-recorded Public Announcements on MRT Trains and in MRT Stations

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Transport to reduce the volume and frequency of pre-recorded public announcements on MRT trains and stations to create a quieter commute and help limit the spread of airborne viruses.
Ong Ye Kung explained that announcements serve essential purposes, including sharing service information and safety reminders, with volume calibrated to be heard above ambient noise.
He added that during COVID-19, commuters should refrain from talking and wear masks to keep the public transport experience safe and pleasant.

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3 Nov 2020

Progress of Rare Disease Fund

The Rare Disease Fund, established in 2019 by the Ministry of Health and SingHealth Fund, provides long-term financial support for Singapore Citizens with rare genetic diseases, funded by public donations matched 3-to-1 by the government and fully supported administratively by the government.
As of end-September, the fund has raised $21 million in donations, reaching a total of $93 million with government seed funding and matching, and is invested in an endowment to sustainably support patients over their lifetimes.
Six medicines for four rare disease conditions are currently supported, with six beneficiaries receiving about $2 million in support so far, and the fund encourages more donations to assist additional patients and medicines.

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3 Nov 2020

Study of Impact of Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening on IVF Procedures

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Health if it is aware of studies indicating that Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) may negatively affect IVF success rates such as implantation, pregnancy, and live births.
Minister Gan Kim Yong noted that published studies on PGS show mixed findings, with some reporting improved outcomes in selected groups while others found no improvement or even lower success rates in IVF procedures.
He cited specific examples, including a 2013 trial showing higher implantation and delivery rates with PGS, a 2018 trial finding no increase in live birth rates for older women, and a 2011 meta-analysis indicating lower live birth and pregnancy rates with PGS.
The Minister highlighted limitations in existing studies, such as suboptimal recruitment, which contribute to ongoing debate about PGS's clinical efficacy.
He concluded that more data is needed before any definitive conclusion can be made on the clinical effectiveness of PGS in IVF procedures.

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3 Nov 2020

Protection for Patients from Unnecessary Optional Medical Screenings

The Ministry of Health uses the Screening Test Review Committee's guidelines and the Singapore Medical Council's ethical code to ensure medical screenings are evidence-based, appropriate, and not misleading.
Subsidies under the Screen for Life programme and MediSave use are limited to specific, validated screening tests tailored to patient factors like age and medical history.
Audits of MediSave claims for health screenings over the past five years have found no evidence of fraud or abuse, though MOH remains vigilant and encourages public reporting.

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3 Nov 2020

Permission for Foreigners Due to Register Marriages with Singapore Citizens to Enter Singapore Despite COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Seah Kian Peng asked whether foreigners can enter Singapore to register marriages with Singapore Citizen fiancés or fiancées, provided they follow health and quarantine rules.
K Shanmugam stated that all foreign visitors need prior approval to enter Singapore due to COVID-19 risks.
He confirmed that ICA will generally facilitate applications for foreigners to enter for marriage registration with Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
Approved applicants must use the ICA website to apply and will be subject to prevailing COVID-19 measures, including Stay-Home Notice and swab tests with related fees.
The response emphasizes that entry is not automatic but will be supported if health protocols are followed.

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3 Nov 2020

Applications for Drug Subsidy under Medication Assistance Fund Plus Scheme

The Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) subsidized 66 drugs and supported nearly 18,000 unique patients in 2019, with recipients rising annually.
The Drug Advisory Committee receives about 35 drug subsidy applications yearly from public healthcare institutions, and since 2016, has recommended 114 drugs for subsidy listing after evaluation.
The Ministry conducts regular gap analyses and horizon scanning, such as the 2018 listing of SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes, and continuously reviews the subsidy framework to ensure it meets population needs.

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3 Nov 2020

Median Age of First-time Recipient of Subsidised Hearing Aid

Dr Tan Wu Meng inquired about the median age of first-time subsidized hearing aid recipients and the lifespan percentiles of such devices.
The Ministry of Health stated the median age of seniors receiving hearing aids under the Seniors’ Mobility & Enabling Fund is 77.
A standard hearing aid typically lasts three to five years, though actual lifespan varies with maintenance and usage.

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3 Nov 2020

Suspected "Long COVID-19" Cases in Singapore

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health about the presence and number of suspected or reported "long COVID" cases in Singapore.
The Minister for Health responded that "long COVID" is not yet well-defined and remains under ongoing study.
The Ministry of Health has not received any reports of "long COVID" but is closely monitoring recovered patients for prolonged symptoms and complications.
Healthcare institutions will continue to track emerging findings on the long-term effects of COVID-19.

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3 Nov 2020

Monitoring COVID-19 Sample Testing to Prevent Future Lapses

The Ministry of Health requires all clinical laboratories to have a quality management system and reviews their standard operating procedures, with labs needing to address any gaps before being licensed and to perform satisfactorily in parallel testing with the National Public Health Laboratory.
As of 26 Oct 2020, 11 incidents were reported out of 3.68 million COVID-19 tests, including equipment issues, specimen handling delays, and quality control lapses, all treated as isolated events with no systemic laboratory problems identified.
MOH requires laboratories to conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions for any incidents, assesses the adequacy of these measures, and introduces additional quality assurance to address discrepancies between test results and clinical findings.
Ongoing efforts include continual performance monitoring, collaborative engagement with labs, and system integration and automation to enhance the overall testing framework.

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2 Nov 2020

Update on Access to and Use of Recreation Centres by Migrant Workers Cleared for Work

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Ministry of Manpower for an update on migrant workers' access to recreation centres, including the percentage who have used them, access schedules for those cleared but not working, and a timeline for full social access.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that trials began in August 2020, with eight recreation centres offering services and allocated timeslots to prevent overcrowding, and eligibility requires no dormitory infections and negative COVID-19 tests or recovery.
As of late October, about 150,000 dormitory residents (50% of total) were included in trials, with 30,000 (20% of participants) visiting recreation centres, and access was expanded from 31 October to all cleared dormitory residents.
The ministry is studying how to support migrant workers' recreational needs while managing transmission risks from large gatherings and prolonged interactions.

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