Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

2 Nov 2020

Number of Migrant Workers Issued Stay Home Notices and Quarantine Orders and Cases of Transmission across Groups in Different Locations since Phase Two Re-opening

Mrs Josephine Teo stated that about 53,000 migrant workers have been issued Stay Home Notices or Quarantine Orders since dormitories were cleared in August, with the number now reduced to about 4,000.
Rostered Routine Testing every 14 days, covering 98% of workers, has led to a decline in COVID-19 incidence from 0.27% in August to 0.03% in early October.
Measures including Safe Living, Safe Working, and Safe Rest Day protocols have been implemented, with no detected cross-transmission among different dormitory or worksite groups since August.
The Migrant Worker Taskforce and related agencies are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that the large majority of workers are safely available to continue working.

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2 Nov 2020

Dental Services for Community Health Assist Scheme Orange Card Holdes to Include Tooth Extractions and Fillings

Murali Pillai asked whether CHAS Orange cardholders could receive subsidies for tooth extractions and fillings while keeping the current subsidy range of $50 to $170.50 per procedure.
Gan Kim Yong explained that CHAS Orange cardholders already receive subsidies for more costly dental procedures like dentures and crowns, while tooth extractions and fillings are considered more affordable and are available at polyclinics.
He noted that patients needing complex or specialist dental care can be referred to subsidized services at the National Dental Centre or National University Centre for Oral Health.
The government will continue to review the subsidy framework to ensure dental care remains affordable and accessible.

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2 Nov 2020

Amount Spent on Developing SafeEntry System, TraceTogether App and TraceTogether Tokens

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Ministry of Health about the spending on developing SafeEntry, the TraceTogether app, and TraceTogether tokens, including production and distribution, as well as any future funding allocations.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that $5.2 million was spent on SafeEntry, $2.4 million on the TraceTogether app, and $6.2 million on TraceTogether tokens for development and procurement as of September 2020.
The Minister noted that these digital tools have improved contact tracing, reducing the time to identify close contacts from four days to less than two days, which helps limit COVID-19 spread.
The Ministry plans to continue investing in enhancing SafeEntry and TraceTogether, including improving check-in convenience and acquiring more tokens, with future costs depending on the number of residents needing tokens.

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2 Nov 2020

Projected Costs of Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services for Next Five Years

Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Health about projected costs for primary and secondary healthcare over the next five years and plans to manage rising medical expenses.
From 2012 to 2017, healthcare spending grew at 11% annually due to aging population, medical advances, and rising operational costs.
MOH is implementing strategies to shift care to the community, enhance chronic disease management through schemes like CHAS and Primary Care Networks, and promote preventive health.
Measures include expanding subsidies, controlling drug costs via ALPS, increasing MediSave withdrawal limits, and introducing fee benchmarks for healthcare providers.
The government emphasizes that staying healthy and personal responsibility are key to controlling long-term healthcare costs.

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2 Nov 2020

COVID-19 Infection Cases Tracked from TraceTogether Tokens and Utilisation Rate

TraceTogether has identified about 25,000 close contacts of COVID-19 cases, leading to 160 positive cases, enabling faster isolation than manual tracing.
As of 1 November, 570,000 residents have collected TraceTogether tokens, while about 2.7 million have downloaded the app.
The government encourages more people to use TraceTogether to improve effectiveness, and is extending TraceTogether-only SafeEntry to more venues like malls and workplaces by end-December.
SafeEntry integration into TraceTogether tokens has started, with the token's QR code usable for check-ins, and deeper integration is being studied to reduce public inconvenience.

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2 Nov 2020

Allow Usage for MediSave for Certain Treatments at Selected Traditional Chinese Medicine

Miss Rachel Ong inquired whether seniors could use MediSave for approved treatments at selected Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics and, if not, the reasons for the refusal.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that MediSave is intended for basic healthcare needs and to prevent premature depletion of funds, and while coverage for mainstream treatments has expanded, further extension requires careful consideration.
The Ministry supports TCM through funding for professional development, digitalisation, and clinic upgrades, and encourages charitable TCM clinics to provide affordable services.
The government will continue reviewing financing schemes to ensure seniors can access necessary care regardless of their ability to pay.

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2 Nov 2020

Greater Subsidies for Medication Needed by Higher Number of Seniors and Retiress

Christopher de Souza asked whether the Ministry of Health would consider greater subsidies for dementia medication and other drugs needed by seniors and retirees, given the higher number affected.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the government ensures affordability through the Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund, offering up to 75% subsidies at public healthcare institutions, with additional discounts for pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors.
The Ministry regularly updates subsidised drug lists, adding 15 drugs for dementia and chronic conditions over three years, such as Donepezil, reducing co-payments from $12 to $3 monthly for eligible patients.
Subsidies are also available via the Community Health Assist Scheme for GP visits, with recent increases in subsidy caps and new cards for low-income individuals, alongside special support for pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors.
MOH will continue reviewing measures and support, including MediFund, to maintain affordability and accessibility of healthcare and medications for those in need.

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2 Nov 2020

Allow More Flexibility on Use of MediSave for Dental Procedures not Involving Surgeries

Christopher de Souza proposed allowing the elderly to use MediSave for non-surgical dental procedures such as dentures and gum disease treatment.
Gan Kim Yong explained that MediSave is primarily for costly medical expenses and noted existing subsidies and flexible use for the elderly, emphasizing the need to balance flexibility with contribution rates.
He highlighted that MediSave can already be used for dental day surgeries, and other measures like CHAS and MediFund help ensure affordability for non-surgical dental care.

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2 Nov 2020

Reduce Waiting Time for Seniors to get a Pair of Dentures from Government Dental Clinics

Christopher de Souza inquired about reducing waiting times for seniors to obtain dentures from government dental clinics, highlighting concerns over delays in this specific service.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that denture production involves multiple appointments and lab steps, with scheduling based on case complexity and urgency, while noting that immediate treatment is prioritized.
He outlined alternative solutions, including the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) which has expanded access to private dental clinics, and Project Silver Screen which provides vouchers to help seniors afford dentures after subsidies.

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2 Nov 2020

Higher Annual Deduction Limit for Flexi-MediSave or Higher MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Those Above 70 Years Old

Christopher de Souza proposed raising the Flexi-MediSave annual deduction limit or the MediSave withdrawal limit for those over 70 to cover outpatient costs.
Gan Kim Yong explained that Flexi-MediSave allows up to $200 per year for those aged 60 and above, but usage is low, with fewer than 2 in 10 reaching the limit in 2019, including those over 70.
The Ministry will keep reviewing MediSave withdrawal limits to ensure they remain relevant and adequate for all age groups.
Elderly patients facing affordability issues after subsidies and MediSave can seek help from medical social workers for MediFund and other financial assistance.
The government assures that no Singaporean will be denied necessary healthcare due to inability to pay.

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2 Nov 2020

Securing Medical and Accident Protection for Ride Hailing and Delivery Drivers

The Minister for Transport outlined existing industry and regulatory measures, such as insurance coverage for medical, accident, and prolonged medical leave, and mandatory third-party liability insurance for food delivery riders.
He highlighted tripartite and SkillsFuture initiatives, including training programs, career transition portals, and Medisave contribution schemes, to support drivers' skill development and retirement planning.
The new Point-to-Point Transport framework prevents platform exclusivity, allowing drivers to work across multiple platforms while maintaining incentives for innovation and service quality.

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2 Nov 2020

Competitive Analysis of Integrated Shield Plan Products

Tan Wu Meng inquired whether the market for Integrated Shield Plan (IP) products has been studied from a competition perspective and if the study considered existing IP insured who wish to change providers.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the IP market has seven insurers with similar offerings and that the Ministry of Health publishes comparisons to aid consumer choice, with premiums and policies set by insurers based on commercial and competitive factors.
He noted that underwriting, exclusions, or premium loading may apply to new or existing policyholders switching insurers, but MediShield Life provides universal coverage for all Singaporeans, including pre-existing conditions.

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2 Nov 2020

Letters to Inform Citizens of COVID-19 Help Schemes

MP Joan Pereira proposed that the Ministry send letters to all citizens detailing COVID-19 support schemes to prevent confusion, especially among the elderly.
The Government has communicated benefits through various channels, including distributing a Budget booklet to all households, sending customised letters to eligible citizens, and providing information via utility bill inserts and digital displays in HDB estates.
The "Support Go Where" website consolidates information on support schemes, and the Silver Generation Office actively reaches out to seniors to inform them of available assistance.
The Government committed to continuing efforts to improve communication of help schemes to citizens.

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2 Nov 2020

Profile of Imported COVID-19 Cases

Member Leong Mun Wai requested data on imported COVID-19 cases among non-citizens for specific periods and a breakdown by country of origin.
Minister Gan Kim Yong provided figures: 139 cases in September 2020, 409 from July to September 2020, and 575 from April to October 2020.
The top three countries of origin were India (291 cases), the Philippines (111 cases), and Indonesia (53 cases).
Border measures were adjusted, including pre-departure testing requirements for travelers from India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
The government stated it regularly reviews border measures to manage COVID-19 importation risks.

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2 Nov 2020

Proportion of Nursing Positions in Total Traineeships and Jobs Created

The healthcare sector will create up to 7,500 jobs and 1,600 traineeships by the end of 2021, with about 1,800 of the job positions designated for nurses.
Nursing roles can be filled by fresh graduates, individuals in Professional Conversion Programmes (PCPs), or former nurses returning to practice, with PCPs for mid-career entrants taking approximately two years to complete.
The remaining job opportunities are primarily in support care, administrative, and ancillary roles, with onboarding training varying from one to six months depending on the position.

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2 Nov 2020

Review on Social Benefits for Lower and Middle Income Households

The Government is committed to building a caring and inclusive society, with social expenditure tripled over 15 years, and a system where lower- and middle-income households receive significantly more in transfers and subsidies than the taxes they pay.
Comprehensive support is provided across education, work, housing, retirement, healthcare, and social assistance, including heavily subsidised education, wage uplift schemes like Workfare, housing subsidies up to $160,000, and healthcare subsidies of up to 80% for hospitalisations.
During COVID-19, unprecedented relief measures were rolled out, including the Care and Support Package, targeted grants for unemployed or income-loss households, and Grocery Vouchers for lower-income households.
The Government regularly reviews social policies, such as enhancing the Silver Support Scheme and forming a Tripartite Workgroup on Lower Wage Workers, to ensure inclusivity and address evolving needs.
Overall, the system redistributes wealth so that those with less receive more, with the bottom 20% of households receiving nearly 30% of benefits while contributing less than 10% of taxes.

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2 Nov 2020

Affordable and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage for Foreign Workers

Leon Perera proposed mandating more comprehensive insurance for migrant workers and providing subsidies to help employers afford it.
The Ministry of Manpower requires employers to provide at least $15,000 annual medical coverage, with 95% of bills falling below this amount in recent years.
The Ministry is developing an insurance program to help manage large medical expenses while balancing coverage and cost without relying on tax-funded subsidies.

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2 Nov 2020

Reasons for Small but Persistent Number of COVID-19 Infections Amongst Foreign Workers

The persistent low-level infections among foreign workers are due to some individuals testing negative during the incubation period when viral loads are low, even with accurate PCR tests.
Singapore employs a multi-layered strategy including mandatory Rostered Routine Testing every 14 days, with risk-based 7-day testing in high-risk dormitories, and rapid quarantine of close contacts to contain spread.
The Infection Prevention and Control programme educates workers and operators on hygiene and safe distancing, supported by audits, to reduce transmission risks in dormitories.
Over 450,000 contact-tracing devices are being distributed to improve tracing and quarantine efficiency, helping maintain a safe working environment as the country moves into Phase 3.

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2 Nov 2020

Approval and Profile of Applicants for Subsidies under Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund for Hearing Aids

The Ministry of Health processes subsidy applications for hearing aids under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund within one day if all eligibility criteria are met.
Without subsidies, a standard hearing aid typically costs between $3,000 and $3,200.
The fund currently covers only the first hearing aid device, but replacements may be approved case-by-case based on individual circumstances, and the ministry will continue reviewing the subsidy parameters.

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2 Nov 2020

Reasons for Making TraceTogether Compulsory

Gan Kim Yong stated that TraceTogether has identified 25,000 close contacts and reduced tracing time from four to under two days, which is essential to break transmission chains.
He emphasized that with 3 million users, higher participation boosts confidence to safely resume economic and social activities, allowing larger gatherings in pilot settings like business events and performances.
The government will expand TraceTogether-only SafeEntry to more venues such as malls and workplaces to move toward Phase 3, drawing lessons from countries that faced resurgences due to weak contact tracing.
While not mandatory for all residents, TraceTogether is required in specific high-risk settings to increase participation and prevent the need for a second lockdown.

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