Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 Jun 2020

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

The Fortitude Budget provides unprecedented fiscal support of nearly $100 billion to safeguard lives and livelihoods, drawing on past reserves to help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 crisis.
A major focus is on jobs, with the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package aiming to create about 100,000 opportunities through jobs, traineeships, and training to support workers, especially mid-career PMETs and fresh graduates.
The debate highlighted the need for a whole-of-society effort, including tripartite partnerships and digital transformation, to address blind spots such as the disproportionate impact on women and seniors, and to prepare for a post-pandemic economy.

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4 Jun 2020

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The bill amends the Environmental Public Health Act to update public health regulations and address emerging environmental issues.
The Senior Minister of State for the Environment and Water Resources presented the bill and outlined its key objectives during the parliamentary session.
The bill underwent its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading in a subsequent sitting of Parliament.

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4 Jun 2020

Restrictions on International Travellers to Prevent Import on COVID-19 Cases

Singapore has imposed travel restrictions since March 22 to prevent imported COVID-19 cases and will gradually resume safe international travel, starting with green lane arrangements with countries like six Chinese provinces from June 8, focusing on essential travel and requiring pre-departure and arrival testing and contact tracing.
The government uses a holistic assessment of countries' case numbers, testing capacity, and community transmission control to establish bilateral green lane agreements, ensuring mutual safety and calibrated border reopening to protect lives and livelihoods.
Additional safeguards for travelers include multiple PCR tests before departure and upon arrival, controlled itineraries, restrictions on using public transport, and staying in designated locations until test results are negative, addressing concerns about asymptomatic cases and varying testing levels in different countries.

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4 Jun 2020

Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Support Grant

The COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) does not require applicants to be unemployed for three full months; those on involuntary no-pay-leave or with significant salary loss can also apply if they provide evidence of future impact.
ComCare recipients are not eligible for CSG but can receive further assistance through ComCare, with automatic extensions and reviews for those whose circumstances worsen due to the pandemic.
Agencies are encouraged to refer individuals to the appropriate schemes, and efforts are being made to strengthen community networks to better identify and support vulnerable households.

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4 Jun 2020

Measures at Foreign Worker Dormitories after Circuit Breaker Period

The government implemented early measures such as isolating workers under Leave of Absence or Stay-Home Notices in separate dormitory sections, later shifting to dedicated facilities as regulations tightened.
Quarantine Orders for close contacts were served at Government Quarantine Facilities or within dormitory isolation areas, with large clusters leading to restricted movement and on-site medical posts.
Approximately 32,000 healthy workers were relocated to temporary accommodations with isolation areas, while the government plans to build more housing to reduce dormitory density.

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4 Jun 2020

Lifting Circuit Breaker Measures and Safeguards to Minimise Risk of Second Wave of COVID-19 Infections

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that the circuit breaker was necessary to curb rising community infections and migrant worker outbreaks, and its lifting from 1 June is a cautious, graduated approach to resume activities while managing the risk of a second wave.
The government is learning from other countries like New Zealand and Hong Kong, implementing safeguards such as safe distancing, mask-wearing, and contact tracing, with Phase One focusing on low-risk economic activities and strict limits on social gatherings.
Migrant worker dormitories will undergo systematic screening until August or September, but this will not delay Phase Two if community transmission remains low; Phase Two will allow retail, F&B dine-in, and small social gatherings under safe management measures.
MPs raised concerns about the economic impact on F&B outlets and requested earlier relaxation of measures, but the Minister emphasized that opening F&B requires aligning with broader community reopening in Phase Two to avoid undoing circuit breaker gains.
The government stressed the importance of social responsibility—wearing masks, hygiene, and adhering to safe measures—to maintain low community transmission and avoid reimposing stricter measures, with a goal of transitioning to a new COVID-safe normal in Phase Three.

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26 May 2020

Age Limit to be Eligible for Government Co-funded Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures

Dr Lee Bee Wah questioned why women over 40 must have attempted assisted reproduction or IUI before age 40 to qualify for government co-funded ART procedures, suggesting the rule be removed due to later marriages.
The Ministry of Health explained the age 40 cutoff is based on clinical evidence showing declining success rates after 40, and the policy aims to balance support for early treatment with assistance for older couples.
Dr Lee raised concerns that late-married women cannot meet the pre-40 requirement and asked for options to skip IUI and go directly to IVF for those 35 and above to save time and money.
The Ministry responded that IUI is often recommended as a less invasive first step, but doctors assess individual cases; MediSave can be used without age limits, though government co-funding has age criteria.
Mr Louis Ng highlighted that financial stress affects IVF success, urging more subsidies, but the Ministry reaffirmed its policies are evidence-based and continuously reviewed to balance support and effectiveness.

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5 May 2020

Differences in Life Expectancy, Incidence of Chronic Illnesses and Acute Hospital Re-admission Rates between Highest and Lowest 20% Income Groups and Progress Made in Tackling Health Inequalities

The Ministry of Health reported that data on life expectancy, hospital re-admission rates, and chronic illness prevalence by income group is not available, though it uses educational level as a proxy for socio-economic status to highlight health disparities, such as higher rates of diabetes among lower-educated individuals.
Public hospitals have implemented programs like Hospital-to-Home to reduce re-admissions, serving over 14,000 patients, and the government has enhanced health screening subsidies under Screen for Life to lower cost barriers for lower-income groups.
While lower-income individuals with chronic diseases show good access to care and comparable outcomes in managing blood sugar and cholesterol, challenges remain in blood pressure control, and the Ministry commits to ongoing monitoring and measures to tackle health inequalities.

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5 May 2020

Complaints about Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Counsellors from LGBTQ Clients, Complaint Mechanisms Available and Sanctions and Punishments Meted Out

Anthea Ong inquired about complaints from LGBTQ clients against mental health professionals, the available complaint mechanisms, and sanctions for errant practitioners.
MOH stated it has received no complaints from self-declared LGBTQ patients in the past three years and outlined existing feedback systems, including routes to the Singapore Mediation Centre or the Singapore Medical Council.
Psychiatrists are regulated under the Medical Registration Act, with disciplinary processes handled by Complaints Committees and Disciplinary Tribunals that can issue warnings, fines, or suspend or remove licenses.

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5 May 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill

The Bill allows marriages to be solemnized and registered via live video link during the COVID-19 period, giving couples the option to proceed without waiting for in-person ceremonies.
Key safeguards are included, such as requiring couples and witnesses to be physically in Singapore, giving registrars discretion to mandate in-person processes for certain cases, and extending the validity of marriage notices from three to twelve months.
The measures apply to both civil and Muslim marriages, with religious validity confirmed for Muslim marriages, and are temporary, to be reviewed regularly based on the pandemic situation.

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5 May 2020

Public Education for Elderly on How to Spot Impending Dizzy Spells to Prevent Falls and Injuries

The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board conduct public education, exercise programmes, and campaigns to raise seniors' awareness of falls prevention, including health talks, home safety tips, and medication reviews.
Wearable fall detection devices and personal alert buttons are being trialled and explored to assist seniors, especially those living alone, with the government seeking cost-effective and scalable solutions while emphasizing proactive prevention.
During COVID-19, activities have shifted online, such as YouTube workouts and TV programmes, to keep seniors active and engaged at home, with ongoing efforts to reduce fall risks through multi-pronged strategies.

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5 May 2020

Impact of Home-Based Learning and School Closures on Students Applying to Secondary Schools under Direct School Admission

The Direct School Admission (DSA) exercise will proceed this year with a similar application timeline, but evaluation methods will shift to video-conferencing for interviews and e-auditions, with students participating from their primary schools to ensure safety and equity.
Schools will rely more on students' track records, online applications, and demonstrated passion, character, and dedication, especially in the absence of national sports trials, and will use transparent and fair criteria for selection.
Primary schools will actively encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply for DSA, with MOE providing details to ensure equitable access.
The education system views the pandemic as an opportunity to advance reforms, such as reducing exam emphasis and enhancing digital literacy and character education, reinforcing the importance of evaluating potential and character beyond traditional metrics.

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5 May 2020

Support for Students with Special Needs during Circuit Breaker Period

The Ministry of Education and Special Education (SPED) schools provided customized home-based learning materials, including online and offline packages, and loaned devices to ensure students with special educational needs could continue their education during the circuit breaker.
Allied health professionals, such as therapists, integrated interventions into lesson plans or offered teleconsultations, while some students with high support needs were invited back to school under safe-distancing measures.
The government acknowledged the challenges faced by parents and caregivers, offering support through schools, helplines, and flexible outdoor enforcement for children needing fresh air, while considering further improvements to physical interaction and teleconferencing services.

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5 May 2020

Proposal to Ban Display, Slaughter and Sale of Wild-caught Soft-shelled Turtles at Wet Markets

The Ministry of State for Environment and Water Resources stated that while the sale of wild-caught soft-shelled turtles in wet markets is allowed under existing regulations, agencies are reviewing the practice due to low but present zoonotic disease risks, with no detected infringements to date.
MP Louis Ng argued for a ban, emphasizing the unnecessary risk of zoonotic diseases like Salmonella in wild-caught turtles, drawing parallels to the origins of COVID-19 and questioning the alignment with NParks' stance on pet turtles.
The Minister confirmed that NParks and the SFA collaborate on regulations, including CITES compliance and food safety, and are conducting a review to improve standards, with public feedback encouraged on non-compliant vendors.

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4 May 2020

Additional Plans to Bring Down High Number of Dengue Cases in Order not to Overwhelm Healthcare System Fighting Against COVID-19 Outbreak

The Minister reported that dengue cases in 2020 have already exceeded 6,000, more than double the previous year, and are projected to surpass 2019's total of 16,000, prompting the National Environment Agency (NEA) to continue and step up its operations during the circuit breaker period.
NEA has launched the National Dengue Prevention campaign early and is urging all stakeholders, especially homeowners, to eliminate mosquito breeding habitats, with particular attention to residences and construction sites where breeding has increased by 50% over recent years.
The government is working with town councils, cleaning services, and pest control operators to maintain and enhance cleaning of public areas and drains, while allowing exemptions for essential mosquito control work at construction sites during the circuit breaker.
The Minister emphasized that collective community action is crucial to suppress the Aedes mosquito population and protect public health from both dengue and COVID-19, especially as more people stay at home.

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4 May 2020

Better Support for Essential Service Workers Living Outside Dormitories During COVID-19 Outbreak

Denise Phua asked how essential service workers living outside dormitories, like town council cleaners, could be better supported by the government and residents during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Lawrence Wong outlined government support measures such as tax rebates, foreign worker levy waivers, and the Jobs Support Scheme to stabilize businesses and protect workers’ livelihoods.
Employers are legally required to implement safe distancing and provide protective equipment, with tripartite advisories ensuring fair remuneration and sector sustainability.
A reduction in essential workers during the circuit breaker may degrade services, and public understanding is sought to support these efforts.
The government thanked essential service workers and called for public support for their critical contributions during the pandemic.

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4 May 2020

Anticipated and Actual Impact of Circuit Breaker on Economy, Possible Trigger for Another Circuit Breaker and Singapore's Preparedness

The Minister for Trade and Industry explained that the circuit breaker measures significantly disrupted the economy, with initially 80,000 entities and 21% of the workforce operating onsite, later reduced to 45,000 entities and 17% of the workforce, emphasizing the trade-off between public health and economic impact.
He noted that the extent of disruption was anticipated, but necessary to save lives, and stressed that a future circuit breaker could be triggered if virus transmission is not curbed, making it essential for businesses and workers to strictly comply with measures to avoid further restrictions.
Singapore's preparedness for another circuit breaker depends on collective effort from businesses, workers, and the government to keep cases low, with essential firms minimizing onsite workers and implementing safe distancing, as effective compliance can prevent the need for further lockdowns.

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4 May 2020

Financial Assistance for Essential Outpatient and Inpatient Medical Treatment and Plans to Liberalise Use of MediSave and MediFund on Account of COVID-19 Outbreak

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked about any increase in financial assistance appeals for medical treatment since January 2020 and proposed liberalising MediSave and MediFund use due to COVID-19's economic impact.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the number of financial assistance appeals has remained similar to previous years, and MOH has implemented measures like free COVID-19 treatment for Singaporeans, special subsidies at Public Health Preparedness Clinics, and extended CHAS and MediSave use for video-consultations.
MOH will continue working with healthcare institutions to identify those in need, exercise flexibility on appeals, and enhance healthcare financing schemes to ensure affordability for all Singaporeans.

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4 May 2020

Breakdown and Rationale of Funds Allocated for Suicide Prevention Services on Annual Basis

Ms Anthea Ong inquired about the annual funding allocation, breakdown between government-run services and community partners like Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), and the rationale for current funding levels for suicide prevention services.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Singapore uses a multi-prong approach to suicide prevention, with funds allocated for overall mental health rather than specifically for suicide prevention, citing FY18 mental health expenditure of approximately $310 million.
The National Council of Social Service provided $8.7 million for mental health support services and $5.7 million for counselling programmes in FY18, with additional initiatives like the Belle Helpbot to consolidate access to helplines and mental health resources.
The government continues to collaborate with public hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and family service centres to ensure holistic and timely support for mental healthcare needs.

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4 May 2020

Measures to Ensure Safe Distancing on Public Transport during Circuit Breaker Period and Thereafter

During the circuit breaker period, the Land Transport Authority marked seats and standing areas with safe distancing stickers on public transport and deployed transport ambassadors and enforcement officers to help commuters maintain distance.
All commuters must wear masks on public transport, with refusal of entry, fines, or prosecution for non-compliance.
After the circuit breaker, safe distancing measures will remain but may be challenging during peak hours, so companies should stagger working hours and continue telecommuting while commuters travel off-peak.
Mask-wearing will continue to be mandatory on public transport, consistent with practices in cities like Taipei, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

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