Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Sep 2020

Extending Availability of Medication Delivery to Patients' Home for Patients Collecting Routine Medication for Chronic Conditions

Christopher de Souza proposed expanding home medication delivery to reduce crowds and wait times for chronic patients in polyclinics and hospitals.
Gan Kim Yong noted that medication delivery has been available since 2003, with delivery capacity increasing from 320 to 3,200 per day during COVID-19.
From February to August 2020, over 400,000 medication deliveries were made, with services managed by the Ministry of Health's Agency for Logistics Procurement and Supply.
Alternatives include collection via Pilbox lockers, parcel deposit lockers, or retail pharmacy outlets at selected polyclinics.
Patients can arrange delivery or collection by approaching pharmacy staff at public healthcare institutions.

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4 Sep 2020

Resources for Detection of Mental Health Issues and Provision of Preventive Care and Subsidies Available

The Community Mental Health Masterplan equips polyclinics and trains over 220 private GPs to detect early mental health issues and provide timely interventions in primary care.
Singaporeans receive subsidies at polyclinics and CHAS GPs for mental health care, with CHAS Green allowing all chronic patients to access subsidies for specific mental illnesses, alongside MediSave and Flexi-MediSave options.
The Agency of Integrated Care coordinates referrals and support across health and social sectors to integrate care for individuals with mental health conditions.

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4 Sep 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Designs for Future HDB Flats

Chong Kee Hiong asked if the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced future HDB flat designs, particularly for work-from-home spaces, and if not, whether HDB would consider such factors.
Desmond Lee highlighted that HDB flats are already designed for flexibility and functionality, with features like large windows, open kitchens, and reconfigurable layouts, which proved useful during the circuit breaker.
HDB is studying how future flat designs can support work-from-home trends, with existing features like Wi-Fi readiness and smart home trials in Punggol and Tengah to be incorporated if feasible.
HDB continues to enhance living environments with greenery, fitness amenities, and nearby commercial services to provide respite and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Public views are being gathered through the Emerging Stronger Conversations to improve public housing designs to meet evolving resident needs.

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4 Sep 2020

Patients Accessing Subsidised Care at Public Hospitals and Specialist Centres

Over three years, public healthcare providers received about 2,400 requests annually from patients seeking to switch from private to subsidised care, approving around 70% of them.
Patients with Integrated Shield Plans accounted for about 35% of inpatient switch requests, but employment-linked insurance data is not recorded.
Subsidised specialist outpatient care requires a referral from a subsidised ward, emergency department, or polyclinic; private ward patients are charged unsubsidised rates unless they switch due to financial need.
Providers assess switch requests case-by-case, considering financial circumstances and allowing flexibility for genuine hardship, with medical social workers available to discuss options.

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4 Sep 2020

Reports of Mental Health Cases Arising from Work-from-Home Arrangements during COVID-19 Pandemic

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned the Minister for Health about increased mental health cases, existing measures, and the need for further support during prolonged work-from-home arrangements.
Minister Gan Kim Yong reported a 60% increase in calls to the IMH Mental Health Helpline and a doubling of community referrals, though overall mental healthcare service use has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The government launched the National CARE Hotline and online mental health platforms like My Mental Health and Mindline.sg to provide support, with the hotline handling around 27,900 calls by August 2020.
The Ministry of Manpower issued an advisory to employers and workers recommending flexible schedules, regular check-ins, and access to counselling to address work-from-home stress.
Authorities continue to monitor service utilization trends and are prepared to intervene as needed to support Singaporeans' mental well-being.

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4 Sep 2020

Addressing Mental Health Challenges Faced by Foreign Workers Affected by Isolation at Dormitories

The Inter-Agency Task Force, later the Assurance, Care & Engagement Group (ACE), has been addressing both physical and mental health of dormitory residents since isolation began in early April.
Migrant workers can access mental health support through 24-hour helplines like the Migrant Workers’ Centre and HealthServe, which have received hundreds of calls and thousands of enquiries, with counsellors and specialists available for severe cases.
Efforts to reduce isolation stress include returning workers to work after systematic testing and segregation, trialling recreation centre visits, and organizing wellness activities with NGOs.
Forward Assurance & Support Teams and Foreign Worker Ambassadors are trained to identify and manage mental health issues, while daily communications and videos address workers’ concerns.
Indicators like reduced helpline calls suggest measures are effective, and support will continue to be monitored and improved.

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4 Sep 2020

Declaring Foreign Worker Dormitories to be Clear of COVID-19

Mr Lim Biow Chuan queried if there was an error in declaring a dormitory COVID-19 cleared when a new cluster later emerged from it.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that clearing a dormitory means all residents have recovered, tested negative, or been moved to isolation facilities, but they remain susceptible to future infections.
She emphasized that vigilance and compliance with safe distancing measures by workers, employers, and dormitory operators are key to preventing new outbreaks.
A multi-layered strategy is in place, including safe living and working measures, routine testing, health monitoring, and containment protocols for new cases.
The government continues to adjust measures with health experts to manage ongoing COVID-19 threats despite cleared dormitories.

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4 Sep 2020

Usage and Effectiveness of TraceTogether App

The government reported that 2.4 million individuals have downloaded the TraceTogether app, with an estimated 1.4 million active users in August.
Since its launch, the TraceTogether and SafeEntry systems have identified 118,000 close contacts of COVID-19 patients, reducing the identification time to under two days.
Out of the 118,000 contacts identified, 4,500 subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 while in quarantine.

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4 Sep 2020

Essential Services Disrupted by Isolation Measures at Foreign Worker Dormitories

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked which estates were still disproportionately affected by dormitory shutdowns and if there would be a plan to redeploy workers to clear backlogs.
Desmond Lee stated that all foreign worker dormitories were cleared of COVID-19 by 19 August 2020, with most workers resuming work and essential services largely restored.
The Ministry of National Development noted that while a few contractors have not fully resumed services, no Town Council’s essential services have been significantly compromised.
Since Town Councils can use other contractors to cover gaps, there are no current plans for the government to redeploy workers across estates.

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4 Sep 2020

Reasons for Recent Surge in Dengue Cases

The surge in dengue cases is attributed to a confluence of factors, including the dominance of the less common DENV-3 serotype with low population immunity, a 30% increase in the Aedes aegypti mosquito population during warmer and wetter weather, and the Circuit Breaker period which increased human exposure at home and reduced cleaning services.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has intensified efforts, including over 107,000 home inspections, tightened enforcement with higher fines, and launched vector control exercises with Town Councils and community volunteers, alongside distributing repellents and expanding public communication campaigns.
Initial results show a 20% decline in recent dengue cases and most clusters closing, but the overall number remains high, prompting ongoing measures such as Project Wolbachia trials, which have shown promise in suppressing mosquito populations by up to 90% in test areas, though community efforts are still essential.

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4 Sep 2020

COVID-19 Vaccine Plans

The Singapore government is closely monitoring global COVID-19 vaccine development and taking active steps to secure timely access to safe and effective vaccines for the population.
Singapore is engaging with multiple pharmaceutical companies, participating in the COVAX Facility, and collaborating with international organizations to ensure fair and equitable vaccine access both locally and globally.
Local efforts include supporting the Duke-NUS and Arcturus mRNA vaccine clinical trials and building vaccine manufacturing capacity for fill-and-finish services and increased production.
The vaccination strategy prioritizes vulnerable and high-risk groups, with the approach and schedule to be adapted based on vaccine suitability, availability, and emerging clinical data.

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4 Sep 2020

Statistics for COVID-19 Community Testing

Gerald Giam asked for statistics on COVID-19 testing rates for patients with symptoms and contacts, as well as details on random testing and plans for its expansion.
Leon Perera inquired about the mean and median lead times for receiving COVID-19 test results.
The Minister explained Singapore’s testing strategy focuses on active case finding, targeted surveillance, and testing specific high-risk groups, with detailed data on testing rates and positive cases provided.
The Minister stated that from July to August 2020, 76% of ARI patients at polyclinics and PHPCs were tested, with a 0.03% positivity rate, indicating low community prevalence.
The Minister noted that current test result turnaround times are a mean of 30 hours and a median of 22 hours, and announced plans to expand testing to more community groups like taxi drivers and food delivery personnel.

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4 Sep 2020

Debate on President's Address

The pandemic has ignited a spirit of mutual help in the community, with many Singaporeans stepping up to volunteer, donate, and support the vulnerable, including frontline workers and migrant workers.
The debate highlighted the need to strengthen the Singaporean core and ensure fair opportunities for locals, while also acknowledging the importance of staying open to foreign talent and investment to keep the economy competitive.
Members of Parliament emphasized the importance of building a fairer and more inclusive society post-COVID-19, with specific calls to improve support for people with disabilities, streamline means-testing, and enhance the welfare of lower-wage workers and migrant workers.

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4 Sep 2020

Ministerial Statement on Fifth Set of COVID-19 Measures

Ministers asked why the COVID-19 support measures were announced via broadcast and whether Parliament would debate and approve the revised spending plan, with the Deputy Prime Minister explaining the need for timely clarity for businesses and outlining parliamentary processes for accountability.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated the $8 billion in additional measures would be funded by reallocating unutilised development funds due to project delays, with no further draw on reserves, and would be presented through supplementary estimates for parliamentary approval.
Concerns were raised about falling revenues and the trade-off between reallocating development funds for future spending versus using reserves, with the government committing to careful budgeting amid a fluid fiscal situation.

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3 Sep 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 2) Bill

The Second Minister for Law introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No. 2) Bill, supported by a Certificate of Urgency signed by the President.
The Bill aims to amend the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, with copies distributed to Members for review.
The Speaker confirmed the Certificate's validity and scheduled the second reading for the following day.

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3 Sep 2020

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment introduced the Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill to update the Environmental Public Health Act.
The bill was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting.
The purpose of the amendment is to refine public health regulations under Chapter 95 of the 2002 Revised Edition.

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3 Sep 2020

Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill

The Medical Registration (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Medical Registration Act and make a consequential amendment to the Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Act 2019.
The bill was presented by the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law on behalf of the Minister for Health.
The bill was read for the first time and is scheduled for a second reading in the next available sitting of Parliament.

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2 Sep 2020

Debate on President's Address

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined Singapore's COVID-19 response, emphasizing decisive actions like circuit breakers and migrant worker support, while acknowledging shortcomings and the need for continuous adaptation.
The debate highlighted the importance of strengthening social safety nets and reviewing foreign worker policies, with the government committing to pragmatic, targeted support and ensuring fairness for Singaporeans.
Political leaders discussed the need for constructive parliamentary discourse, the risks of polarization, and the importance of maintaining Singapore's unique governance model for long-term stability and progress.

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1 Sep 2020

Debate on President's Address

Tan Wu Meng emphasized the need for improved healthcare accessibility and support for the elderly, low-wage workers, and healthcare staff, highlighting gaps in current policies and calling for counter-cyclical investments during the recession.
Rahayu Mahzam discussed the importance of constructive discourse in Singapore’s multiracial society, warning against divisive “cancel culture” and urging a balanced approach to social movements without polarizing communities.
Both speakers stressed the necessity of evolving policies and societal norms to address current challenges, with a focus on inclusivity, compassion, and preserving Singapore’s social fabric.

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24 Aug 2020

Prime Minister's Office (Strategy Group)

The COVID-19 pandemic is Singapore's gravest challenge since independence, requiring a coordinated whole-of-government and society response led by the Strategy Group to navigate the crisis and build a better post-pandemic future.
The government will conduct a comprehensive review of its medium-term policy agenda to address new challenges and opportunities, focusing on economic and social policies, climate action, and infrastructure for a sustainable city.
Singapore will maintain its population strategies, supporting parenthood aspirations while taking a calibrated approach to immigration and foreign worker flows to ensure a cohesive society and vibrant economy.
The government remains committed to climate action, supporting global efforts and exploring technologies like carbon capture and hydrogen, while advancing a green recovery to create new jobs and build resilience.
The government emphasizes the need for partnerships with individuals, communities, and businesses through initiatives like SG Together to develop and implement ideas for a better post-COVID Singapore.

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