Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

3 Feb 2020

Whole-of-Government Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The government has established a Multi-Ministry Taskforce to coordinate a whole-of-government response, implementing measures such as travel restrictions from China, temperature screenings at checkpoints, and quarantine for high-risk individuals to contain the virus.
Healthcare systems are being bolstered with increased isolation beds and testing capacity, while public education emphasizes personal hygiene like handwashing, as masks are primarily reserved for the sick and healthcare workers to avoid wastage.
Support packages are being developed for affected sectors and individuals, including financial assistance for those under quarantine, while addressing social issues like discrimination and misinformation to maintain public trust and unity.

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3 Feb 2020

Acceptance of Medical Certificates Issued by Ministry-approved TCM Physicians

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah proposed mandating the acceptance of medical certificates from Ministry-approved TCM physicians for all medical leave claims, citing residents’ complaints about the inconvenience and cost of obtaining unrecognized TCM MCs.
The Minister for Manpower clarified that under the Employment Act, employers are only required to recognize MCs issued by practitioners registered under the Medical Registration Act (MRA), which includes TCM practitioners who meet the requirements, noting this policy was expanded in April 2019.
The Minister emphasized that employers are free to voluntarily recognize TCM MCs beyond the legal minimum, and highlighted that over 4,000 MRA-registered practitioners exist, ensuring access to valid MCs, while referencing MRA section 15 which requires certificates to be signed by registered practitioners to be valid.

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3 Feb 2020

Guidelines on Duration of Medical leave for Specific Injuries

Louis Ng asked the Ministry of Health (MOH) about findings from a study on guidelines for determining medical leave duration for specific injuries and when results would be published.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded that current ethical guidelines require doctors to base medical leave on clinical assessment, and recent Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) changes will help reduce inadequate leave, so no specific guidelines are currently needed.
Louis Ng queried which stakeholders were consulted and suggested strengthening WICA by making certification for work rehabilitation therapists mandatory in private hospitals, similar to public hospitals.
The Senior Minister of State explained that consultations and international reviews showed prescriptive guidelines are difficult due to varying injuries and circumstances, and the new WICA reporting requirements will mitigate under-prescribing of leave.
MOH will continue monitoring the situation and work with the Ministry of Manpower on therapist certification, though it is not directly related to medical leave issuance.

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3 Feb 2020

Take-up Rates for Recommended Adult Vaccinations

The Ministry of Health has established the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) since 2017, with take-up rates showing a steady increase, including a rise in adults using MediSave for flu vaccinations from 39,000 in 2017 to 74,000 in 2018, and around 24% of adults aged 65 to 79 vaccinated according to a 2019 survey.
The Ministry is raising awareness through campaigns, road shows, and information on the HealthHub portal, with plans for population-level campaigns and subsidies to be rolled out before the end of 2020 to further boost vaccination rates.
The Ministry acknowledges that vaccination uptake can be lower among lower-income groups due to factors like cost, but it does not track data by income group; however, it aims to reduce barriers by extending subsidies for NAIS-recommended vaccinations.

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3 Feb 2020

Upgrading Accident and Emergency Departments in All Private and Public Hospitals to Enable Them to Handle Severe and Multiple Trauma Cases

The Ministry of Health stated that all public hospital A&E departments are already equipped to handle severe trauma cases, while private hospitals are not configured for full emergency and trauma services, though collaborations like with Raffles Hospital exist for non-life-threatening cases.
There are currently 180 emergency medicine specialists and 240 general surgeons, with plans to increase the number of emergency specialists by about 43% over the next five years to meet national needs.
Public hospitals are geographically spread across Singapore to ensure swift access to emergency services, and the Ministry is managing training pipelines to maintain sufficient specialist capabilities.

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3 Feb 2020

Impact of Wuhan Coronavirus Outbreak on Singapore and Countermeasures Taken

Multiple Members of Parliament asked the Minister for Health about Singapore’s susceptibility, current suspected cases, and specific countermeasures in response to the escalating Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Queries included whether a multi-agency taskforce would be formed, what emergency plans were in place beyond airport temperature screening, and how the government would manage travel advisories and containment.
The Minister was asked to outline Singapore's overall response, the condition of suspected patients, and how citizens could support the Ministry's efforts in handling the outbreak.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that all six questions would be addressed through a single Ministerial Statement.
The debate highlighted broad parliamentary concern regarding preparedness, containment strategies, and the readiness of Singapore's health authorities for possible worsening of the outbreak.

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6 Jan 2020

Plans for Mental Health and Allied Professionals in Social and Health Manpower Development Programme and Community Mental Health Masterplan

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira inquired about manpower plans, target ratios for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counsellors, and timelines for achieving these in the Social and Health Manpower Development Programme and Community Mental Health Masterplan.
Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined existing training initiatives, overseas exchanges, and a Skills Framework for psychologists, noting recent increases in public sector psychiatrists and psychologists over the past three years.
The Minister reported current ratios of 4.4 psychiatrists and 8.33 psychologists per 100,000 population, with no specific counsellor counts due to overlapping roles, and stated MOH will monitor numbers without fixed international targets.

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6 Jan 2020

Demographics of Patients Receiving Psychiatric Treatment and Mental Health Support at IMH, Polyclinics, Specialist Outpatient Clinics and Government-funded Programmes

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira sought detailed demographic breakdowns of patients receiving psychiatric treatment and mental health support across various public healthcare settings over the last three years, including patient numbers, treatment duration, mental health conditions, age, income, and time from symptom onset to treatment.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the most common mental health conditions vary by setting, with schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse prevalent at public hospitals, while depression, anxiety, and insomnia are common at polyclinics, and the average age of subsidised patients is between 40 to 50 years.
The Ministry does not track patient income or time from symptom onset to treatment due to external healthcare providers, but a 2016 study reported median delays ranging from one year for major depressive disorder to 11 years for obsessive-compulsive disorder, attributed to stigma and low mental health literacy.
Over 2016–2018, approximately 6,900 subsidised patients received inpatient treatment annually with an average stay of 21 days, while about 60,000 subsidised patients were seen annually as outpatients, and initiatives like community outreach and increased polyclinic services aim to improve early identification and access.
The government plans to continue collaborating with public hospitals and community providers to ensure holistic, timely, and quality mental healthcare support across different settings.

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6 Jan 2020

Median and Average Waiting Times for Outpatient Appointments at IMH, Specialist Outpatient Clinics, Polyclinics and Government-funded Programmes

The Ministry of Health provided median and average waiting times for psychiatric and psychological appointments in 2018, noting that urgent cases can access IMH’s 24-hour helpline or emergency services.
There are approximately 248 psychiatrists and 473 psychologists in Singapore, equating to 4.4 psychiatrists and 8.3 psychologists per 100,000 people, with no specific counsellor numbers available.
To reduce waiting times, hospitals have implemented measures such as optimizing appointment slots, improving triage, and right-siting cases to community care, supported by 41 outreach and 21 intervention teams.
The Ministry continues to collaborate with public hospitals, community providers, and social agencies to ensure timely and holistic mental health support.

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6 Jan 2020

MOH's Response to Recently-released Community Blueprint to End HIV and AIDS Transmission by 2030

The Minister for Health acknowledged the community blueprint's aim to end HIV transmission by 2030 and affirmed MOH's shared commitment to supporting people living with HIV and ending transmission in Singapore.
MOH highlighted existing initiatives to increase HIV awareness, lower testing barriers, improve care linkages, and enhance treatment affordability as part of current prevention and control efforts.
The Ministry noted ongoing collaboration with Action for AIDS to engage community stakeholders on the blueprint and plans to continue working together to strengthen strategies, including improving access to testing and newer HIV medications.

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6 Jan 2020

Average Duration to Process Appeals to Withdraw from MediSave Accounts Beyond Annual Withdrawal Limit

The Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, stated that appeals for additional MediSave withdrawals beyond the annual limit are assessed case-by-case, considering factors like treatment complexity and family finances.
Appeals typically take about one month to process after receipt, as time is needed to review clinical and financial circumstances.
Unsuccessful appeals often occur when MediSave balances are low, future treatment needs are expected, or patients sought unsubsidised care; cases may be referred to Medical Social Workers or other agencies for alternative support.
For patients facing recurring financial challenges, MOH works with agencies like MSF and HDB to coordinate support, and encourages instalment plans instead of depleting MediSave.
The government will continue reviewing MediSave withdrawal limits and healthcare financing schemes to ensure they remain adequate and that no Singaporean is denied necessary healthcare due to inability to pay.

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6 Jan 2020

Data on Number of Children Injured in Motor Accidents as a Result of Not Being Secured in Child Seats

Louis Ng asked if hospitals collect data on children injured in motor accidents due to not being secured in child seats, and if so for numbers and percentages over the past 10 years broken down by age groups; if not, whether such data collection would start.
Gan Kim Yong stated that the National Trauma Registry tracks children aged 9 and below treated for traumatic injuries from motor accidents but cannot confirm if injuries were directly due to not using child seats or restraints.
Data from 2012 to 2018 shows between 106 and 225 such cases per year, with over half of the children known to have used restraints, while the status of the remainder is unknown.
The minister emphasized that motorists and passengers should always use appropriate restraints in vehicles.

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6 Jan 2020

Guidelines for Suitable Eye Exercise and Diet to Help Seniors Take Care of Eyesight to Delay Onset of Cataract

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry of Health to implement guidelines for suitable eye exercises and diets to help seniors delay cataract onset, citing concerns about age-related eye health.
Gan Kim Yong explained that cataracts are a leading cause of blindness linked to aging, smoking, alcohol, and chronic conditions like diabetes, and outlined existing MOH efforts in eye care promotion, early detection through programs like Project Silver Screen, and community accessibility via mobile eye services and Community Eye Clinics.
The Ministry highlighted that seniors receive eye care education through Health Promotion Board talks, HealthHub resources, and referrals from screenings, with over 61,000 seniors benefiting from Project Silver Screen and about 20% referred for eye care follow-ups.
MOH emphasized that these measures support early detection and management of cataracts and other vision disorders to help seniors maintain their quality of life, without explicitly committing to new guidelines for specific eye exercises or diets.

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6 Jan 2020

Effectiveness of "Platoon Commander Interviews" to Address Mental Health Issues of NSmen

The Minister for Defence highlighted that the Platoon Commander Interview has been effective in identifying servicemen with NS-related or personal problems and facilitating initial support or referrals, and that similar engagement with officers occurs through regular informal interactions despite no formal mandate for officers.
The existing support system includes counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, para-counsellors, and a 24-hour hotline, which are accessible to all servicemen, including officers, to address mental health concerns.
Ground commanders play a key role in monitoring mental well-being, with PC interviews integrated into BMT and unit activities to provide early intervention, and officers are also supported through their superiors and the broader network.

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6 Jan 2020

Lowering Administrative Burden for Private Clinics to Enrol in CHAS

The Minister confirmed that CHAS participation has doubled since 2012, with over 1,000 GP and 700 dental clinics currently enrolled, ensuring most cardholders have nearby access.
Enrolment requires completing an e-learning module and GP clinics must be MediSave-accredited, but processes have been streamlined to allow parallel application and training.
While participation is voluntary and some clinics may opt out, the Ministry will continue encouraging involvement and reviewing ways to reduce administrative burdens.

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6 Jan 2020

Data on Appeals to CPF Board to Withdraw from MediSave beyond Annual Withdrawal Limit

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for data on appeals to withdraw from MediSave beyond the annual limit over the past five years, including the number of appeals, those for rare illnesses, and the range of quantum appealed.
Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that 500 to 600 appeals are received each year, with the withdrawal quantum varying based on treatment factors like complications or non-standard drugs.
He noted that about four to five MediSave appeals per year over the last three years were for rare diseases affecting fewer than one in 2,000 patients.

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6 Jan 2020

Requirements on Home Renovation Contractors to Make Sure Structures Put up Do Not Encourage Mosquito Breeding

Home renovation contractors must comply with the Code of Practice on Environmental Health (COPEH) to prevent water stagnation and mosquito breeding, such as prohibiting roof gutters in new developments and requiring anti-mosquito devices in floor traps.
Government agencies like the National Environment Agency and Building and Construction Authority grant technical clearances only after Qualified Persons declare compliance with COPEH standards.
Residents, contractors, and premises owners share responsibility in preventing mosquito breeding to control the Aedes mosquito population and dengue cases.

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6 Jan 2020

Help for Mentally-distressed Patients with Occasional Outbursts that Target Neighbours

The Ministry of Health collaborates with the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) under the Community Mental Health Masterplan to support individuals with mental health conditions, using AIC as a first touchpoint for referrals to medical and social services.
Community outreach and intervention teams provide education, emotional support, needs assessment, and therapeutic services, with 41 outreach teams and 21 intervention teams deployed as of March 2019.
For neighbour disputes involving mental health issues, platforms like the Community Mediation Centre and Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals engage stakeholders and can refer cases to AIC, with multi-agency efforts addressing complex cases.

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6 Jan 2020

Quality and Unique Mental Health Care and Support for Differently-abled Individuals

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined a multi-tiered approach that leverages various healthcare professionals, including general practitioners for stable cases and psychiatrists or psychologists for specialized needs, to provide mental health care for all individuals, including those with different abilities.
Specific support structures exist for different needs, such as school psychologists assisting students with hearing impairments in special schools, and dedicated programmes like the Child Development Programme and the Institute of Mental Health's clinics offering tailored assessments and therapy for children and adults with developmental disabilities or autism.
The government emphasizes early detection and community outreach, with efforts to refer at-risk individuals to support services, and commits to continuing collaboration with providers to ensure quality, individualized mental health care for differently-abled persons.

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6 Jan 2020

Rates of Obesity in Children and The Elderly

Minister Gan Kim Yong provided obesity statistics: 8.9% among adults aged 18-59 and 6.9% among seniors 60-74 based on the 2017 National Population Health Survey, with figures remaining stable since 2013, while the proportion of overweight children aged 6-18 increased from 11% in 2013 to 13% in 2017.
Government initiatives to combat obesity include promoting healthier diets through programmes like the Healthier Choice Symbol and Healthier Dining Programme, regulatory measures for sugary drinks, and fostering active lifestyles via physical activity programmes, improved infrastructure like parks and cycling paths, and school and workplace health promotion.
Efforts have shown some progress, with the National Nutrition Survey 2018 indicating reduced calorie intake and better diet quality, though sugar consumption remains high at 60g per person daily, and physical activity levels increased from 73.1% in 2013 to 80.9% in 2017.

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