Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

4 May 2020

Quantum of Grants Disbursed under Seniors Mobility Fund and Re-Application for Replacement of Mobility Devices

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Ministry of Health for the quantum of grants disbursed under the Seniors Mobility Fund over the past three years and whether seniors could re-apply for replacement mobility devices after they wear out.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that $89 million was disbursed in Seniors Mobility Fund subsidies between 2017 and 2019 to support eligible seniors aged 60 and above with assistive devices and home healthcare items.
He noted that subsidies are primarily for the first device, but in exceptional cases where seniors need replacements without financial means, the Agency for Integrated Care can assess and approve such applications case-by-case.

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4 May 2020

Government's Stance on Changing One’s Sexual Orientation through "Conversion Therapy"

Member Anthea Ong proposed four actions: stating an official position against conversion therapy, disseminating guidelines to mental healthcare professionals, establishing complaint mechanisms, and pursuing disciplinary action against practitioners.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that sexual orientation is not a clinical disorder according to WHO and APA standards, and healthcare professionals must practice evidence-based, ethical care while respecting patient preferences.
Existing complaint mechanisms are available through public healthcare institutions and the Singapore Medical Council, which investigates and disciplines doctors for misconduct.
The Ministry expects empathy and sensitivity from healthcare professionals when supporting individuals seeking care, including those who desire to change their sexual orientation.

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4 May 2020

Singapore’s Plans for Economy as Other Countries Gradually Reopen Their Economies

The government is phasing the reopening of Singapore’s economy in a measured, step-by-step manner, prioritising sectors critical to trade, supply chains, and employment while delaying high-traffic venues until safe measures are in place.
Enhanced health safeguards, including widespread testing, contact tracing technology, and stricter safe management practices for all businesses, will be enforced to protect public health as economic activities resume.
Long-term structural changes to the global economy will require companies to adapt business models and workers to reskill, with new opportunities in sectors like medical services, biotechnology, and online education.
The government will collaborate with trade associations and SMEs to help businesses meet stronger safe management requirements and prepare for gradual reopening.
Despite the challenges, confidence is expressed that Singapore can successfully restructure its economy, drawing on past experience and collective effort from the government, employers, and workers.

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4 May 2020

Training for Safe Distancing Ambassadors and Safe Distancing Measures after COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Period

Training for Safe Distancing Ambassadors includes briefings on safe distancing measures, rules of engagement, handling vulnerable groups, and managing uncooperative individuals, with on-the-job guidance from experienced teammates.
Measures for their safety include providing identification, protective equipment, hygiene reminders, and deploying them in consistent teams to minimize risks.
Safe distancing measures and penalties will continue after the circuit breaker period until June 1, with adjustments based on the situation and continued deployment of ambassadors.
Abuse of officers is unacceptable, and authorities will work with the police to identify and charge offenders under the law.
The public is urged to cooperate with officers, follow advisories, and show support to ensure collective safety.

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4 May 2020

Support For Home-Based Businesses During COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Period

Intan Azura Mokhtar highlighted the economic impact of the circuit breaker ban on home-based businesses (HBBs), noting they lost income and incurred losses from wasted supplies, and proposed allowing contactless deliveries, health logging, and central kitchen options to support them.
Zainal Sapari expressed concern over HBBs' financial distress and sought confirmation that self-employed owners could apply for the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), while urging negotiation between HBBs and customers for refunds.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained the government's rationale for the initial ban, citing public health risks, and outlined support measures including the SIRS and COVID-19 Support Grant, while announcing the resumption of food HBBs with restrictions from 12 May.

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4 May 2020

Parliamentary Elections (COVID-19 Special Arrangements) Bill

Ong Teng Koon argued that a strong government with a legitimate mandate is essential for effective crisis management, and this Bill ensures safe, fair elections by implementing COVID-19 precautions like staggered voting and virtual campaigning.
Anthea Ong raised concerns that the Bill could exclude quarantined, vulnerable, or overseas voters, threatening democratic integrity, and urged that the Bill be a last resort rather than a go-ahead for an early election during the pandemic.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang supported contingency planning for elections but sought clarifications on resources for special polling stations, vote secrecy, voter and agent training, polling delays, and overseas voting arrangements.
Chan Chun Sing clarified that the Bill does not remove voting rights but enables more to vote safely, addressed concerns on quarantine voters, campaigning fairness, and online voting, and emphasized that the PM decides election timing while ensuring safety through measures inspired by South Korea.

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4 May 2020

Parliamentary Elections (COVID-19 Special Arrangements) Bill

The Minister introduced the Bill to enable safe elections during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing special voting arrangements for voters under movement control orders and permitting candidates to authorize representatives to file nomination papers if they are unable to attend due to health reasons.
Parliamentarians expressed support for the Bill but raised concerns about the lack of provisions for remote electronic voting, clarity on the commitment to facilitate voting for all quarantined voters, and the need for clear campaigning regulations to ensure public health and fairness.
The Minister emphasized that the Bill is a contingency plan and unrelated to the timing of the election, which will be decided by the Prime Minister based on the evolving COVID-19 situation.

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4 May 2020

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

The Minister for Social and Family Development introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures for Solemnization and Registration of Marriages) Bill with a Certificate of Urgency from the President.
The Bill aims to allow the use of remote communication technology for marriage solemnization and registration under the Women's Charter and Muslim Law Act during the pandemic.
The Speaker confirmed the Certificate of Urgency and ordered the Bill's first reading, with copies distributed to Members.
The Second Reading of the Bill was scheduled for the following day.

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4 May 2020

Second Update on Whole-of-Government Response to COVID-19

The government has implemented circuit breaker measures to curb community transmission, with signs of success in reducing daily cases, while also intensifying efforts to control outbreaks among migrant workers in dormitories through testing, medical support, and isolation facilities.
Singapore is rapidly expanding healthcare capacity, including hospital beds, ICU facilities, and community care centers, while ramping up testing and contact tracing capabilities to safely manage a gradual reopening post-circuit breaker.
Support measures for businesses and workers, including wage support and job initiatives, are being deployed alongside dedicated care for migrant workers, with commitments to review pandemic responses and improve standards after the crisis.

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4 May 2020

Reports of Fake News Related to COVID-19

The Government identified and debunked about 40 instances of COVID-19 fake news since January 2020, using various channels like media, websites, and social media to provide accurate information and using POFMA to require corrections from purveyors.
The Minister emphasized a range of legal actions, including charging an individual under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, and stated that while there is a general downward trend, instances still pop up episodically, requiring swift response.
The Minister highlighted the importance of public responsibility in verifying information and not sharing falsehoods, noting that the government has comprehensive tools but collective effort is key to reducing the spread.
The Member asked about the trend of fake news and whether creators are adequately identified and held accountable, with the Minister responding that while actions have reduced the propensity, the government focuses on reactive measures rather than proactive identification.

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4 May 2020

Delayed Graduation Ceremonies for ITE, Polytechnic and University Graduands Affected by COVID-19 Situation

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked if graduation ceremonies for ITE, Polytechnic, and University graduates would be held later if COVID-19 improves, to which the Ministry of Education (MOE) responded that traditional large-scale ceremonies are not feasible this year due to safe distancing, and postponement is impractical as graduates may disperse.
MOE outlined that institutions will explore alternative, non-ceremonial ways to help graduates celebrate, such as virtual events, online platforms, and commemorative materials, while acknowledging the disappointment of students and families.
In response to a follow-up question, MOE confirmed that options like gown rentals, campus photo-taking, and virtual ceremonies are being considered, with institutions keeping graduates informed as circumstances evolve.
MOE also highlighted support for graduates amid the economic uncertainty, including complimentary access to Continuing Education and Training (CET) modules and guidance from Education and Career Guidance counsellors.

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4 May 2020

Number of Essential Services Companies Allowed to Operate during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Period

The Minister reported that during the initial circuit breaker period starting 7 April 2020, about 21% of the workforce operated on-site across approximately 80,000 essential entities, with numbers dropping to 17% of the workforce across around 45,000 entities after enhanced measures on 21 April 2020, excluding telecommuting workers.
The government plans to progressively reopen the economy by prioritizing sectors vital to global supply chains, such as pharmaceuticals, biomedical, electronics, and petrochemicals, as well as key hubs like finance, trade, aviation, and ports, while maintaining safe distancing, hygiene, and cohorting measures for sustainable operations.
To address inconsistencies in how essential businesses are regulated under the tightened circuit breaker, the Minister explained that guidelines aim to minimize social interactions and aggregate essential services, with companies pared down to minimum necessary operations based on demand and efficiency, leading to varying instructions for firms in the same industry.

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4 May 2020

Assistance for Rough Sleepers and Measures to Help Them Cope with COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Conditions

The Ministry and PEERS Network expanded shelter capacity to about 700 spaces through new partnerships, including religious and community organizations, to house rough sleepers during the circuit breaker.
Homeless individuals are not penalized under COVID-19 regulations if assisted, and outreach efforts include distributing care packs and encouraging shelter acceptance.
A small proportion of destitute persons are housed in Welfare Homes, while transitional shelters support families and individuals working toward stable accommodation.
Collaboration with community partners ensures homeless persons access COVID-19 relief measures, such as the Solidarity payment and grants, despite challenges like lacking addresses or IDs.
The crisis reinforced the importance of government-community partnerships in addressing both immediate safety and underlying issues leading to homelessness.

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4 May 2020

Update on Management of COVID-19 Impact on Employment of Fresh Graduates, General Workforce and Foreign Worker Dormitories

Members of Parliament asked about the latest updates on COVID-19 infections in foreign worker dormitories, the effectiveness of containment measures, and whether a Commission of Inquiry should be appointed to investigate the outbreak's causes, stakeholder responsibilities, and propose reforms.
Questions were raised about the employment prospects and support options for fresh graduates, including collaboration between employers and the government, as well as recourse for employees who have not been paid despite their employers receiving the Jobs Support Scheme.
Parliament debated the need to amend the Foreign Employee Dormitories Act to cover all types of dormitories and improve living standards, such as increasing minimum space per resident and excluding basic facilities from area calculations.
Members sought information on lessons learned from managing dormitories, the role of dormitory owners in mitigating spread, and whether infected workers had spread the virus to the broader community.
The Minister for Health noted that the Minister for Manpower would address these questions in her Ministerial Statement, indicating a forthcoming government response on policy measures and regulatory actions.

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4 May 2020

Update on Ministry of Health’s Strategies on Managing COVID-19 Cases in Hospitals and Limiting Spread in the Community

Members of Parliament raised questions on healthcare capacity, testing strategies, and support for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister for Health indicated he would address these concerns in a forthcoming Ministerial Statement.
Key topics included ethical frameworks for resource prioritisation, scaling ICU beds, testing asymptomatic individuals, and using antibody tests to gauge community spread.
Queries also focused on metrics for easing movement controls, enlisting private or retired healthcare professionals, and compensating overworked medical staff.
The debate highlighted the need for clear plans to manage hospital strain and limit community transmission of the virus.

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4 May 2020

Parliament Proceedings during COVID-19 Pandemic

Parliamentarians are committed to upholding their roles and adhering to COVID-19 measures while maintaining solidarity with Singaporeans during the circuit breaker period.
A Bill is being introduced to amend the Constitution, enabling Parliament and its committees to operate under continuity arrangements if meeting in one place becomes unsafe or impossible.
The Speaker emphasizes proactive planning and learning from other countries to ensure Singapore’s resilience and readiness for worst-case scenarios during the pandemic.
Parliament continues its essential functions despite COVID-19 disruptions, with masks worn in Parliament House and speeches delivered without masks temporarily to ensure clarity.
The House conveys well-wishes to Mr Low Thia Khiang, who is in ICU, wishing him a speedy recovery.

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7 Apr 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill

The Bill introduces temporary measures to address COVID-19 impacts, including allowing remote meetings and court proceedings, and providing relief for scheduled contracts like leases and event bookings to prevent forfeiture of deposits or legal actions for non-performance due to the pandemic.
It mandates that property owners pass on property tax rebates to tenants in a timely manner, with enforcement mechanisms and dispute resolution through Valuation Review Panels, ensuring tenants receive intended benefits.
Part 7 grants the Minister for Health powers to enforce enhanced safe distancing measures, such as closing non-essential premises and restricting gatherings, with penalties for non-compliance, to curb COVID-19 transmission during the circuit breaker period.

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7 Apr 2020

Revised Supplementary Supply (FY 2020) Bill

The Revised Supplementary Supply (FY 2020) Bill was passed in a single Parliamentary sitting to urgently implement support measures announced in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
The Bill, certified by the President as urgent under Standing Order 86, allows for its three readings to be conducted in one sitting to expedite financial aid to workers, enterprises, and households.
The measures, approved in the Committee of Supply, aim to provide swift assistance amidst heightened safe distancing measures affecting all Singaporeans.

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7 Apr 2020

Supplementary Supply (FY 2020) Bill

The Second Minister for Finance moved to discharge and withdraw the Supplementary Supply Bill (FY 2020) as Parliament had already approved funds for COVID-19 pandemic response through Committee of Supply resolutions.
The original Bill introduced on 26 March 2020 needed to be withdrawn to allow for a revised version incorporating all approved sums.
The motion to withdraw the Bill was agreed to by Parliament, clearing the way for a Revised Supplementary Supply Bill to be introduced for approval.

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7 Apr 2020

Amendments to Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for FY20/21

The Leader of the House moved a Motion to amend the Supplementary Estimates for FY2020/2021 to increase funds for Heads S, V and Z, citing the need for additional COVID-19 support measures explained by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
The Speaker consented and sought general assent from Members, who indicated agreement, leading to the Motion being put and agreed to.
The House resolved to take the amendments in the Committee of Supply for the respective heads of expenditure, despite Standing Orders, to vote on the additional funds required.

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