Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

24 Aug 2020

Prime Minister’s Office (National Research Foundation)

The National Research Foundation will use science and technology to drive economic growth and support national needs in a post-COVID-19 world, building on Singapore's strengths in areas like advanced manufacturing, health, sustainability, and digital technologies.
Research and innovation efforts will be scaled up through platforms like the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster and new industry transformation programmes, with a focus on translating research into marketable solutions and strengthening industry linkages.
The NRF will support talent development through initiatives like the SGUnited Traineeship Programme and research fellowships, aiming to grow a robust local and global research talent pool.
Research investments will address national priorities such as healthcare transformation, climate change, and sustainable urban solutions, improving Singaporeans' quality of life.
The plan emphasizes international collaboration and positioning Singapore as a global node of scientific excellence, while ensuring resilience and competitiveness in a changing world.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Trade and Industry

The Ministry of Trade and Industry highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic and a changing geopolitical landscape have permanently altered the global economy, challenging Singapore's hub status but also presenting new opportunities for adaptation and growth.
The ministry committed to safely and sustainably reopening the economy, facilitating international travel, and expanding testing and tracing to allow business continuity while managing health risks.
Support will be tailored for different sectors—boosting growth in areas like biomedical sciences and digital economy, preserving capabilities in recovering sectors like aerospace, and helping permanently changed sectors like tourism reinvent themselves.
New programmes will be implemented to boost business investment, support local entrepreneurship, and strengthen workforce skills, in partnership with tripartite partners and agencies like the Ministry of Manpower.
Singapore will strengthen global linkages through digital economy agreements, multi-modal transport solutions, and partnerships with like-minded countries to ensure open trade routes and resilient supply chains, leveraging its strong business environment and skilled workforce.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will prioritize environmental public health resilience, food security, and job creation in response to COVID-19, including initiatives like the "30x30 Express" grant and hiring for safe distancing roles.
Long-term plans include combating climate change through a green recovery, investing in climate science research, and protecting against rising sea levels, with programs such as the National Sea Level Research Programme and the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Singapore will enhance water security by expanding the Changi NEWater Factory and implementing smart meters, and improve food security by diversifying imports and achieving the "30 by 30" goal for local food production.
The ministry is committed to a zero-waste nation via circular economy approaches, transforming waste into resources like NEWSand and NEWOil, and mandating recycling for key waste streams to reduce vulnerability to global shocks.
MSE aims to create 4,000 new and upgraded jobs in the next year and 55,000 over 10 years in sustainability sectors, while engaging the public through initiatives like the $50 million SG Eco Fund to foster collaborative environmental solutions.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Social and Family Development

MSF will strengthen social safety nets and support vulnerable households affected by COVID-19 and economic downturns, including through ComCare, grants, and enhanced mental and family wellbeing support.
The ministry aims to improve social service delivery by expanding community networks and partnerships to proactively reach and support those in need, including through initiatives like ComLink and the PEERS Network.
MSF will enhance support for persons with disabilities, preschool education, youth-at-risk, and families through various programmes, including the Enabling Masterplan, preschool subsidies, KidSTART expansion, and family support services.
The social service sector will be transformed with digitalisation, capability building, and partnerships to emerge stronger post-COVID-19, while sustaining community philanthropy and volunteerism.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is coordinating Singapore's COVID-19 response through prevention, detection, containment, and patient care, supported by healthcare workers and volunteers, while maintaining preparedness for future waves and investing in international cooperation and vaccine development.
MOH is advancing three long-term healthcare shifts—focusing on preventive health, community-based care, and value-driven services—to improve accessibility, affordability, and sustainability, including initiatives for seniors, mental wellness, and chronic disease management.
The Ministry is accelerating digital transformation and research to enhance care integration and efficiency, while supporting healthcare workers’ career development and creating new job opportunities in the public and community care sectors.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs prioritizes protecting Singaporeans overseas, strengthening ties with ASEAN and key partners, and maintaining Singapore’s global relevance amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diplomatic efforts were critical in repatriating Singaporeans during the crisis, and the ministry continues to work with international partners to manage travel restrictions and support Singaporeans abroad.
Singapore is deepening cooperation with neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as key partners such as the US and China, to address pandemic impacts and explore new areas like vaccine multilateralism.
The ministry emphasizes building strong partnerships worldwide, including with regions like Latin America and the Middle East, to enhance trade, security, and sustainable development.
Foreign policy is anchored domestically, requiring Singaporean unity to bolster the country’s credibility and ability to contribute to global challenges like climate change and public health standards.

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24 Aug 2020

Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance outlined its focus on navigating the COVID-19 crisis through fiscal support for jobs and businesses, while accelerating economic transformation through digitalisation, innovation, and workforce upskilling.
It emphasized building a fair and progressive society by investing in education, healthcare, and support for vulnerable groups, including doubling pre-school spending and enhancing schemes for low-wage workers and seniors.
The ministry committed to maintaining sound finances, announcing plans to raise the GST to fund growing social and healthcare needs, while using borrowing responsibly for long-term infrastructure and climate investments.

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24 Aug 2020

President's Address

The President outlined Singapore’s response to COVID-19 and the severe economic recession, emphasising the need to adjust strategies, support jobs, and inject significant financial aid while preparing for a possible resurgence of cases.
He highlighted major shifts in the global and domestic landscape, including intensified US-China rivalry, protectionism, and the need for Singapore to remain resilient, nimble, and competitive in a changed world.
The President stressed the importance of evolving social policies, strengthening safety nets, and reforming meritocracy to enhance social mobility and ensure fairness, especially for lower-wage, mature, and mid-career workers.
He called for a stronger shared Singaporean identity through multiracialism and social cohesion, while addressing anxieties over jobs and work pass holders, and urging constructive political discourse and partnership between the Government and Opposition.
The President invited all Singaporeans to partner with the Government in the “Singapore Together” spirit to navigate challenges, save lives, protect livelihoods, and secure a brighter future for the nation.

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5 Jun 2020

Study on Safety Measures Taken by Other Countries upon Reopening of Parks and Nature Areas

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked whether the Ministry has studied international safety measures for reopening parks and nature areas, and if it would consider reopening parks with safe distancing to allow Singaporeans more time in nature.
Lawrence Wong stated that parks and nature areas have remained open with safe distancing measures, using NParks officers, technology like apps and drones for crowd monitoring, and real-time visitorship updates to manage crowding.
Some facilities like car parks, eateries, playgrounds, and beaches were closed during the circuit breaker but will gradually reopen in Phase 2 with precautions, and NParks will continue studying other countries' measures to adopt relevant safe management practices.

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5 Jun 2020

Ensuring Public Safety when Seeking Mental Healthcare Services and Standards of Practice within the Mental Healthcare Profession

The government requires licensed healthcare institutions and clinics to have systems for ensuring mental health professionals are adequately trained and for monitoring service quality and addressing complaints, with mechanisms for the public to check practitioner credentials via the Singapore Medical Council and professional associations like the Singapore Psychological Society.
Patients can lodge complaints against mental health practitioners, including psychiatrists, with the Singapore Medical Council, and both MOH and healthcare institutions have systems to review feedback or complaints to uphold standards.
To maintain and improve professional standards, doctors including psychiatrists must complete continuing medical education for practicing certificate renewal, while psychologists follow the Skills Framework for Social Service to identify training needs and competencies, with additional support through fellowships and expert exchanges under the Healthcare Manpower Development Plan.

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5 Jun 2020

Extent of Information Used for Contact Tracing from SafeEntry System for Recent COVID-19 Incidents

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health about the extent to which SafeEntry data was used for contact tracing and alerts during the Jurong Point COVID-19 incidents on 20-21 May 2020.
Gan Kim Yong confirmed that SafeEntry information was used to strengthen movement history data from confirmed cases for contact tracing and epidemiological investigations, including those who visited Jurong Point.
The Ministry of Health used SafeEntry check-ins to confirm case visits to Jurong Point and specific outlets, helping compile a list of public places visited, which was shared with the public for health monitoring.
MOH stated it will continue using technology to support COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.

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5 Jun 2020

Disease-testing for Wild-caught Soft-shelled Turtles Imported for Consumption

Louis Ng asked about disease-testing requirements, test numbers, positive results, and data collection for wild-caught soft-shelled turtles imported for consumption over the past five years.
The Singapore Food Agency stated it uses a science-based risk assessment and does not test live turtles for diseases, but conducts random testing of turtle meat products for pathogens like Shigella and Vibrio cholerae.
Over the past five years, 63 turtle meat samples were tested via 129 lab tests, with all results negative for foodborne pathogens and no associated outbreaks reported.
SFA plans to maintain vigilance and may tighten food safety requirements, while emphasizing shared responsibility between industry, consumers, and the government.

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5 Jun 2020

Measures and Penalties to Ensure Dormitory Operators and Landlords Comply with Requirements for Communal Living

The Inter-Agency Taskforce is clearing dormitories of COVID-19 and requires all parties to implement safe management and living measures, with MOM providing advisories, checklists, briefings, and communications materials to support compliance.
Dormitory operators must track residents and visitors, stagger common facility use, strengthen health surveillance, and reduce density, while employers must cooperate with testing and updates to the Online Foreign Worker Address Service (OFWAS).
Penalties for non-compliance include fines up to $10,000 or jail for employers, fines up to $50,000 or imprisonment for dormitory operators, and licence revocation, while private landlords who fail to comply will be barred from renting to foreign workers.
Workers are required to monitor their health, follow dormitory rules, and report illnesses, with repeated breaches potentially leading to work pass revocation.

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5 Jun 2020

Mental Healthcare Provisions for Work Permit Holders

The Ministry of Manpower partners with NGOs like the Migrant Workers' Centre and Healthserve to provide mental health support, including 24-hour hotlines, tele-counselling in native languages, and financial assistance for work permit holders in various accommodations.
Communication of these measures is done through regular MOM bulletins, videos, posters in dormitories, and a mandatory Settling-in Programme for new non-Malaysian work permit holders, which includes hotline numbers and avenues for help.
Proactive identification and referral of at-risk workers are handled by FAST teams and Foreign Worker Ambassadors, with Healthserve’s volunteer psychiatrists and counsellors providing remote or one-on-one tele-counselling sessions.

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5 Jun 2020

Medical Consensus on Blood Clotting Abnormalities in COVID-19 Patients

Anthea Ong questioned the Ministry of Health about medical consensus, overseas data usage, early detection measures in dormitories, research support, and fast-tracking of studies on blood clotting abnormalities in COVID-19 patients.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong acknowledged the question and noted it aligns with a similar query from Mr Leon Perera on 4 June 2020, indicating ongoing discussion on the issue.

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5 Jun 2020

Measures to Boost Immunity and Increase Awareness for Strengthening of Personal Immunity

The Minister for Health outlined that while there is no vaccine to boost immunity against COVID-19, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet, sufficient fluids, adequate sleep, and physical activity—is essential for a properly functioning immune system.
The government promotes public education through campaigns like HPB's "Stay Well to Stay Strong," which provides videos and articles on hygiene, nutrition, and mental well-being, and for seniors, TV series via Mediacorp in multiple languages.
Specific recommendations include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing chronic conditions with medication and regular check-ups, and getting recommended vaccinations under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule.
The Health Promotion Board and Agency for Integrated Care have reported significant engagement with their resources, with hundreds of thousands of views and high viewership among seniors for tailored television content.
The government plans to continue offering health initiatives and use various platforms to encourage all Singaporeans to remain healthy amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

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5 Jun 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Implementation Dates of CareShield Life and MediSave Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the implementation of both CareShield Life and MediSave Care, originally planned for mid-2020, due to reduced development and testing work from safe distancing measures, pushing their launch to end-2020.
CareShield Life will start for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later at the end of 2020, while those born earlier will see their launch deferred to at least end-2021.
The government will review the situation and provide more details on future launch dates, while affected individuals can continue using existing support schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant and ElderFund.

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5 Jun 2020

One-off Extension of Hospitalisation Insurance Policies to Cover Elective Surgeries Postponed due to COVID-19

Sylvia Lim asked whether the Government would advise insurers to extend hospitalisation policies to cover elective surgeries postponed due to COVID-19 circuit breaker restrictions.
The Prime Minister responded that elective surgeries were deferred from February but are now resuming for higher-need patients, with postponement not affecting MediShield Life coverage.
Integrated Shield Plans and other private health policies are typically renewed annually, so coverage is generally unaffected, but MAS expects insurers to treat customers fairly if postponement was solely due to COVID-19.
Policyholders unable to renew policies can discuss claims with insurers, appeal via MPs, or approach MAS directly if disputes arise.
The Government emphasised that MediShield Life and most private policies remain valid despite surgery deferrals, with mechanisms in place to address exceptional cases.

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5 Jun 2020

Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

Nominated Members raised concerns about financial support for migrant spouses, mental health support during COVID-19, and the criteria for COVID-19 Support Grants, with ministers explaining existing schemes and flexibility for hardship cases.
The government defended the $285 million allocation for promising start-ups, highlighting co-investment via convertible bonds to sustain innovation and private-sector alignment during economic uncertainty.
Debates addressed disparities between support for employees and self-employed persons, with assurances on fair access, protection against JSS abuse, and efforts to promote workplace mental well-being and flexible work arrangements.

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5 Jun 2020

Government's Plans In Our Continuing Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined Singapore's comprehensive fiscal response, committing nearly $100 billion (about 20% of GDP) across four budgets to support jobs, businesses, and public health during the COVID-19 crisis, funded partly by drawing on past reserves.
The government emphasized prioritizing job retention and creation through measures like the Jobs Support Scheme and a new National Jobs Council, while accelerating economic transformation and digitalization to prepare for a post-pandemic world.
Singapore's approach is characterized by prudence and social solidarity, using reserves strategically to avoid debt and ensure equitable support, with a focus on emerging stronger by leveraging unity, resilience, and community efforts.

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