Health

Melvin Yong Yik Chye requested statistics on workplace heat-related illnesses for the past five years, including the total number of cases, their occurrence in outdoor versus indoor settings, and the outcomes related to hospitalization, medical leave, and fatalities. Tan See Leng referred Yong to a previous response on the same topic from a sitting on February 26, 2026, indicating that the information has already been addressed.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns regarding the exclusion of polyclinic referrals to the Emergency Department from the $50 subsidy and MediSave usage. Ong Ye Kung explained that the GPFirst programme encourages patients to visit GPs for non-urgent issues, providing the subsidy to offset GP consultation fees if referred to the ED. He noted that polyclinics operate only during the day with already subsidized fees, and MediSave is primarily intended for hospital-related costs, not outpatient services.

Yip Hon Weng asked about the establishment of a standardized care pathway for elderly residents with possible hearing loss, including processes for screening and support. Ong Ye Kung confirmed that there are existing care pathways, such as Project Silver Screen, which facilitates hearing screenings at community locations. Seniors identified with hearing issues are referred for diagnostic assessments at Community Audiology Clinics, and those needing hearing aids receive fitting services there. Eligible seniors can access subsidized hearing aids through the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund, with additional support available for those requiring more advanced devices like cochlear implants.

Elysa Chen asked about plans to enhance peer support structures for mental health in community settings and workplaces, emphasizing the need for training and safeguards for peer supporters. Dr. Koh Poh Koon explained that the Health Promotion Board offers training for peer supporters, and initiatives are in place to improve mental health awareness and resources within the community. Chen suggested integrating peer support into the formal mental health care system and enhancing accessibility for underrepresented groups, which Dr. Koh acknowledged as a challenge and suggested would be addressed through education and community care teams. Koh clarified that peer support is intended as an informal structure to guide individuals to formal mental health resources, rather than replace professional care.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about the rising use of AI chatbots for mental health support among youths, asking how the Ministry monitors this trend and what safeguards exist. Koh Poh Koon acknowledged that while AI chatbots are prevalent, they are not suitable replacements for qualified mental health providers and can pose risks of misinformation. The Ministry promotes awareness of legitimate mental health resources to encourage proper help-seeking behavior and minimize reliance on chatbots. Chen further questioned data privacy, the reinforcement of harmful thinking, and support for studying AI's impact on mental health outcomes, to which Koh assured that resources like mindline.sg prioritize anonymity and utilize clinically validated chatbot models.

Alex Yeo asked about the distribution of subsidised dialysis centres in Singapore, the criteria used for their planning, and the possibility of developing formal parameters for this distribution. Ong Ye Kung responded that as of February 2026, there are 56 community dialysis centres providing subsidised haemodialysis services, with their distribution determined by projected patient demand and several other factors like site availability and accessibility. The Ministry of Health considers these factors when deciding on the locations for dialysis centres.

Christopher de Souza asked about government measures to maintain high measles vaccination coverage in Singapore and outreach to those not fully vaccinated. Ong Ye Kung stated that measles vaccination is compulsory for children aged 12 and below, including foreign-born children applying for long-term passes. The government utilizes HealthHub notifications, reminder letters, and requires proof of immunity during preschool enrollment to encourage vaccinations. Catch-up vaccination efforts are also implemented in primary and secondary schools. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trust in vaccines to preserve herd immunity against measles.

Christopher de Souza raised concerns about the rise in measles cases in Singapore, specifically regarding potential undetected local transmission and the protection of vulnerable groups like infants who cannot be vaccinated. Ong Ye Kung indicated that the increase is primarily due to a global resurgence and that Singapore faces risks from imported cases and unvaccinated populations, but there is currently no sustained local transmission. To safeguard vulnerable groups, the government focuses on maintaining high population immunity, robust surveillance systems, and closely monitoring vaccination coverage.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns about whether strict academic criteria for nursing diplomas are preventing qualified Singaporeans interested in nursing from being admitted. Ong Ye Kung responded that passion for healthcare is crucial, but students must also manage the program's demands. Current entry requirements have a cut-off point of 28 points for the nursing diploma, and the Early Admissions Exercise considers applicants' motivation and interest. Additionally, there are alternative pathways, such as training as an Enrolled Nurse through the Institute of Technical Education and mid-career development options.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat requested the Ministry of Health to consider publishing revenue and expenditure details of public healthcare clusters in their annual reports, as these have not been disclosed since the early 2010s. Ong Ye Kung affirmed that public healthcare clusters operate on a not-for-profit basis and incur deficits to provide subsidized healthcare, which are covered by government grants. He mentioned that although detailed financial accounts are not published, the public can access financial reports of these clusters through the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's website.

Elysa Chen asked about the government's efforts to improve mental health triaging processes in hospitals, specifically regarding protocols for routing patients to community-based care without burdening acute resources. Ong Ye Kung explained that under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, a Mental Health Tiered Care Model has been implemented to provide care based on the intensity of needs. The Ministry of Health has introduced First Stops for Mental Health services to assess needs and direct patients to appropriate care settings, thereby reducing unnecessary visits to emergency departments and outpatient clinics. For more severe cases, psychiatrists at emergency departments assess admission needs, while suitable patients at outpatient clinics can receive ongoing support from trained community professionals.

Valerie Lee asked about the possibility of introducing a locally offered degree in veterinary science in Singapore due to rising demand for veterinary services and reliance on overseas-trained veterinarians. Desmond Lee responded that autonomous universities regularly review and plan courses in consultation with relevant ministries. New undergraduate programs are introduced based on industry demand and manpower needs. The Ministry of Education will continue collaborating with autonomous universities and sector agencies to address Singapore's long-term veterinary manpower requirements.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the current number and percentage of Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in the workforce, targets for their development over the next decade, and considerations for new specialties for APN certification. Ong Ye Kung stated there were 419 active APNs as of December 2025, constituting 1% of the nursing workforce, with a goal to train 700 APNs by 2030. APNs, equipped with post-graduate training, are positioned to lead and provide complex care across various healthcare settings as the system shifts towards community care.

Cai Yinzhou asked about potential subsidies for Elective Egg Freezing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) for older couples. He also inquired if there are plans for enhanced co-funding for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to support diverse family-planning aspirations. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Prime Minister's Office is reviewing fertility health policies with the Ministry of Health, including financing support for Assisted Conception Procedures, and will provide more details later.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling asked about the operational protocols in place to protect healthcare workers from potential Nipah virus cases in Singapore, the sufficiency of isolation capacity and protective gear in public hospitals, and how training and service continuity plans for healthcare staff are being strengthened. Ong Ye Kung responded that Singapore's hospitals have established infection prevention protocols developed from past pandemics, applicable to the Nipah virus, ensuring adequate isolation facilities and personal protective equipment. He also mentioned the capability to activate additional measures swiftly under the Infectious Diseases Act, along with ongoing reviews and exercises to enhance outbreak response plans.

Fadli Fawzi asked if the Government would mandate proof of vaccination for all pass holders against diseases listed in the Infectious Diseases Act. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Act requires parents or guardians to ensure children are vaccinated against diphtheria and measles. Additionally, foreign-born children under 12 applying for long-term passes must provide vaccination proof or immunity evidence to the National Immunisation Registry.

Darryl David requested information from the Minister for Education on the number of overweight or obese students in the last five years, updates on programs to help manage weight issues, and the success rates of those programs. Desmond Lee reported a decline in the proportion of overweight and severely overweight students from 16% during COVID-19 in 2021 to 13% in 2023. Schools are implementing a holistic health promotion approach, focusing on physical education and active lifestyles. The Grow Well SG strategy, launched in January 2025, aims to encourage healthy habits and provides personalized Health Plans for children, supporting both students and parents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, clarified that Pioneer Generation and CHAS subsidies are available at National Dental Centres for patients with complicated conditions, contrary to previous concerns raised by Dennis Tan. Complex cases are referred to specialist centres like the National Dental Centre Singapore, which provide subsidies for such referrals. Rahayu addressed a specific case involving a private patient who did not receive subsidies and indicated that the Ministry of Health would reach out to explain the situation. Kenneth Tiong inquired about the extent of MediSave coverage for dental subsidies, to which Rahayu noted that recent increases in subsidies for certain treatments are being continuously reviewed to better support patients.

Cai Yinzhou asked about the possibility of a total ban on flavored tobacco to reduce youth appeal and whether further tobacco tax increases would be considered to discourage smoking. The Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, confirmed that the Ministry regularly reviews tobacco control policies and does not rule out a ban or additional tax hikes on flavored tobacco. Cai noted that over 50% of cigarettes sold in Singapore are flavored, raising concerns about their appeal to youths and potential for increased addiction. Rahayu acknowledged substantial evidence linking flavored tobacco to higher rates of smoking initiation among youths and stated that the Ministry is actively reviewing the issue.

Christopher de Souza asked if the Government would expand Day Activity Centre capacity and subsidies for young adults with autism and provide more support for long-term caregiving. Masagos Zulkifli announced an increase of 500 places in Day Activity Centres and enhanced subsidies for long-term care starting July 2026, aimed at families using various disability services. The Government provides tiered funding based on care needs, focusing on those with moderate to severe autism. SG Enable helps individuals on waitlists find suitable alternatives and offers subsidised respite services for caregivers through the Take-A-Break programme.