Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

5 Oct 2020

Young Teens Indulging in Unprotected Sexual Activities and Contracting HIV and Other Diseases and Efforts to Promote Sex Education

The Ministry of Education provides age-appropriate sexuality education in schools, covering topics such as media influence, relationships, and the consequences of sexual behaviours including STIs and HIV.
The curriculum is regularly reviewed to incorporate emerging trends, research, and expert input to address changing attitudes toward sex among young people.
Schools collaborate with parents to support children’s sexuality education, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in this area.

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5 Oct 2020

Support for Students Facing Mental Health Issues in Schools

MOE provides mental health education through the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, strengthens peer support networks, and trains teachers and lecturers to identify and support distressed students while working with community mental health professionals and social service agencies.
Counsellor ratios include one to two counsellors per primary, secondary, and junior college, with four to seven per polytechnic and ITE college, and counsellors in autonomous universities tailored to size and student needs, supported by additional para-counsellors and flexi-adjunct staff.
Support for students from all income groups is ensured through school-based welfare officers, holistic partnerships with community agencies, and expanded social support networks, with confidentiality respected for students and families.
Efforts to de-stigmatise mental health issues include curriculum lessons on empathy, normalising conversations about anxiety and stigma, and promoting a culture of care and respect across schools and institutes of higher learning.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Implement Virus Drills

Christopher de Souza proposed that the Ministry consider implementing virus drills where industries take turns running business continuity plans for a week, including distributing masks and sanitizers to employees.
Chan Chun Sing affirmed that the Ministry fully agrees with the need for businesses to prepare for disruptions like COVID-19, noting that Enterprise Singapore has already issued a Business Continuity Planning guide.
The Ministry stated it will consider the suggestion for virus drills as it continues working with the business community to improve preparation for public health emergencies.

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5 Oct 2020

Protocols and Training for Safe Distancing Ambassadors to Enforce Safe Distancing Measures at Coffeeshops and Hawker Centres in HDB Heartlands after Office Hours

The Ministry deploys about 3,000 Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Enforcement Officers daily, including after office hours at HDB heartland coffeeshops and hawker centres, with teams of at least two and shifts starting as early as 6am.
Ambassadors and officers receive training on safe distancing protocols, engagement rules, and how to handle non-compliance, with experienced staff mentoring newcomers and clear instructions to avoid harm and involve the Police if necessary.
Recent enforcement actions include fines and temporary suspensions for violations such as inadequate table distancing, group gatherings exceeding five people, and serving alcohol after 10.30pm.
For drunk and rowdy patrons, agencies work with the Police to identify, apprehend, and charge defiant individuals, while emphasising that community cooperation is crucial for effective safe distancing.
The Ministry underscores that enforcement is only part of the COVID-19 response, and sustained compliance by premise operators and the public is key to controlling community transmission.

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5 Oct 2020

Relaxing Regulations on Gatherings for Key Life Events Like Weddings

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about a timeline for relaxing gathering limits for weddings, noting recent relaxations for MICE events allowing up to 250 people.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined current measures, including a 100-person cap for wedding solemnisations and receptions with zoned safe management, and announced a pilot for HDB common area receptions.
The Minister emphasized high transmission risks at weddings due to socializing and mask removal, and stated a cautious approach would be taken before any further expansion of attendee caps.

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5 Oct 2020

Screening Rate for Breast Cancer and Rate of Late-stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis Across Housing Types and Household Income Deciles in Past Three Years

Over the past three years, the screening rate for breast cancer in Singapore increased from 30.9% in 2017 to 38.7% in 2019, with improvements observed across all socio-economic groups when using educational levels as a proxy.
Screening rates vary significantly by education, reaching around 50% for women with tertiary education but only 28% for those with primary education, indicating disparities linked to socio-economic status.
The rate of late-stage breast cancer diagnosis (Stages III and IV) has remained relatively consistent, at 28.6% from 2009–2013 and 26.9% from 2014–2018.
The government continues to encourage regular screening and address misconceptions—such as the belief that screening is unnecessary when feeling healthy or that mammograms are painful—through awareness campaigns and outreach activities.
Data comparisons across housing types and household income deciles were not provided in the response, as educational levels were used as a proxy instead.

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5 Oct 2020

Number of Patients Who Had Reached Monthly MediSave Withdrawal Limits for Renal Dialysis Outpatient Treatment and for Chemotherapy in Last Five Years

From 2015 to 2019, fewer than 1 in 5 patients reached the $450 monthly MediSave withdrawal limit for renal dialysis outpatient treatment, with this proportion remaining stable year on year.
During the same period, approximately 1 in 10 patients reached the $1,200 monthly MediSave withdrawal limit for chemotherapy, and this proportion also remained stable year on year.
The government will continue to review MediShield Life and MediSave withdrawal limits to ensure healthcare affordability, with financial assistance available through MediFund and medical social workers for those in need.

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5 Oct 2020

Number of Patients Who had Reached Annual MediSave Withdrawal Limit Allowed Under Chronic Disease Management Programme and Outpatient Flexi-MediSave Scheme in Last Five Years

In 2019, less than 15% of patients reached the $500 annual MediSave limit under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, with most having complex conditions, and the limit was increased to $700 for those with multiple conditions from 2021.
For the outpatient Flexi-MediSave scheme in 2019, fewer than 2 in 10 eligible patients aged 60 and above reached the $200 annual withdrawal limit.
The government regularly reviews MediSave withdrawal limits to balance current healthcare support with long-term savings needs, and those who cannot afford treatments can seek further financial assistance.

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5 Oct 2020

Number of Patients Treated in Polyclinics and CHAS Clinics for Chronic Conditions Not Included in Chronic Disease Management Programme in Last Five Years

The Ministry of Health provided data on patients treated in polyclinics for non-CDMP chronic conditions from 2014 to 2018, citing examples like allergic rhinitis and soft tissue disorders, but noted the lack of comprehensive data for CHAS GP clinics where CDMP/CHAS subsidies are not claimed.
The CDMP has expanded from 15 conditions in 2014 to 20 conditions in 2018, with condition selection based on prevalence, intervention effectiveness, and clinical guidelines, and regular reviews are conducted to meet Singaporeans' needs while protecting Medisave balances.
Patients with non-CDMP chronic conditions can still receive subsidies at polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics for acute care, and those facing financial difficulties can access assistance like MediFund at public healthcare institutions.

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5 Oct 2020

Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Spondyloarthritis and Seeking Outpatient Care in Public Hospitals in Past Five Years

Louis Ng asked the Ministry of Health for data on Singaporeans and permanent residents with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Spondyloarthritis, and those seeking outpatient care in public hospitals over the past five years, and whether the Ministry would start collecting such data if unavailable.
The Minister responded that Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease and Spondyloarthritis is a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the spine and joints.
The Minister presented available data on the number of unique patients with these conditions seeking outpatient care at Specialist Outpatient Clinics in public health institutions over the past five years.

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5 Oct 2020

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Woodlands Health Campus Development

Dr Lim Wee Kiak questioned the progress and any COVID-19 impact on the Woodlands Health Campus development.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore's construction industry faced significant disruptions from supply chain issues, manpower shortages, and the Circuit Breaker period, leading to phased and cautious resumption of work.
As a result, the Woodlands Health Campus and other healthcare projects are delayed by about a year, with WHC now scheduled to open from 2023 instead of 2022.
The Ministry of Health is exploring alternative measures to expand capacity and reduce demand on public healthcare institutions to address short-term impacts from these delays.

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5 Oct 2020

Further Measures by Public Healthcare Institutions to Promote and Increase Public Awareness of Option of Medication Delivery among Patients

Public healthcare institutions have promoted medication delivery services through various channels like videos, pamphlets, websites, and mobile apps, with uptake increasing tenfold during the pandemic.
Staff actively inform eligible patients about delivery options via clinics, pharmacies, call centers, and other touchpoints, and some patients are automatically enrolled if they meet criteria.
Additional collection options such as lockers or retail pharmacies are available at selected polyclinics and advertised on websites and notices.
Patients can contact pharmacy staff for more information or to arrange medication delivery or collection.

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5 Oct 2020

Calls to National CARE Hotline since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic and Plans to Support Residents Facing Mental Resilience Issues

The National CARE Hotline has handled over 30,000 calls since April 2020, with over 12,000 requiring mental health support, but it does not track repeat callers due to privacy constraints.
The Health Promotion Board launched the "Stay Well to Stay Strong" resource hub, which has reached over 450,000 users and provided tips on mental well-being, stress management, and healthy lifestyles.
The "Brave the New" campaign was introduced to build psychological resilience among Singaporeans by equipping them with coping skills and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Subsidised mental health services are accessible through public healthcare institutions, polyclinics, and CHAS General Practitioners for those needing further support.
The government is actively promoting mental resilience through various initiatives, including online resources and public campaigns, in response to pandemic-related stresses.

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5 Oct 2020

Estimated Timeline for Wide Availability of Viable Rapid COVID-19 Test Kit to Allow Progressive Resumption of Economic Activities

The Ministry of Health is evaluating rapid COVID-19 test kits based on clinical performance, ease of use, throughput, turnaround time, and cost, with some promising results.
Rapid test kits are expected to be deployed in the coming months as part of the national response, which could support progressive resumption of economic activities in sectors like aviation and hospitality.
The government emphasizes that testing alone is not sufficient and must be combined with universal contact tracing and safe management measures to reduce transmission risks effectively.

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5 Oct 2020

Trend and Reasons for Patients Seeking Telemedicine and Plans to Compile and Share Their Feedback with Public

The Ministry of Health has noted a rise in healthcare providers offering telemedicine services but does not track the number of patients seeking these services.
Patients primarily use telemedicine for convenience, such as easier access for those with mobility issues, time savings for stable chronic conditions, and combined medication delivery.
MOH has launched an e-Training program to guide healthcare professionals on safe telemedicine practices and plans additional consumer education efforts to improve public understanding.

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5 Oct 2020

Proposal for Automatic or Sensor-activated Taps and Flushing Systems at Hawker Centres

Joan Pereira proposed replacing screw taps and manual flushing systems with automatic or sensor-activated alternatives in hawker centre toilets, citing COVID-19 concerns.
Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that sensor-operated taps and flushing systems are already mandated for new developments and installed in 25 of 33 MSE-owned hawker centres, with plans to retrofit the remaining centres during renovations.
The government is encouraging Town Councils to adopt sensor-operated systems in HDB-owned hawker centres and is providing co-funding through the Toilet Improvement Programme to support these upgrades.

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5 Oct 2020

Visitor Quota for Nursing Home Residents Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Joan Pereira proposed increasing the number of designated visitors for nursing home residents from two to five while keeping the daily limit of one visitor at a time to balance mental well-being and safety.
Gan Kim Yong explained that MOH initially suspended face-to-face visits to protect frail seniors, then cautiously resumed them with strict measures, including a cap of two designated visitors and one visitor at a time.
From July 31, 2020, MOH increased the allowable designated visitors to four per resident, with discretion for more in exceptional cases, while continuing to monitor the situation and review restrictions as the pandemic evolves.

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5 Oct 2020

Usage Rate for TraceTogether Token and Protection of Users' Data Submitted via Token

As of 28 September, about 101,000 TraceTogether Tokens have been issued, and distribution will expand so anyone can collect one from their nearest Community Centre.
The overall participation rate for the TraceTogether Programme (App and Token) is around half the population, with most participants using the App as Token distribution has just begun.
Data collected by the TraceTogether Programme is encrypted, stored only for 25 days on the device, and automatically deleted after that period unless shared with MOH for contact tracing.
Data from SafeEntry is also encrypted and accessed only by authorities for COVID-19 prevention and control, with the Government acting as custodian under stringent safeguards.
Unauthorised disclosure, misuse, or re-identification of data by public officers is an offence punishable by fines up to $5,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.

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5 Oct 2020

Plans for National School Games (NSG) Competitions and School Sporting Events in Q1 2021

The Minister for Education confirmed that National School Games (NSG) and similar sporting events were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Plans are in place to resume NSG in 2021 with enhanced Safe Management Measures, focusing on minimizing intermingling and ensuring hygiene.
Modifications to some sports may be implemented to allow safe participation, with details to be announced later.
Schools have already resumed some sports co-curricular activities within current national guidelines.
MOE is committed to providing a holistic education while maintaining a safe learning environment.

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5 Oct 2020

Maintaining Well-being of Families Amidst Increasing Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic

The government set up the National CARE Hotline and other Carelines to provide psychological and emotional support to individuals and families affected by the pandemic, with trained volunteers handling tens of thousands of calls.
Families facing stress, tensions, or potential violence are encouraged to seek early help through Family Service Centres, online counselling, and community outreach, with increased efforts to monitor and support vulnerable households.
Financial support measures such as the Temporary Relief Fund, COVID-19 Support Grant, and extended ComCare assistance were rolled out to help middle- and lower-income individuals and families cope with economic distress.
Programmes like Families for Life’s #FFLShareTheCare video series and free Triple P parenting courses were launched to help families manage work-care balance and reduce parenting stress, with strong public uptake.
Community volunteers and partners have been proactively reaching out to low-income and vulnerable households, providing resources and referrals to support those most affected by the crisis.

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