Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

11 Feb 2019

Students in Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning Seeking Help from Counsellors for Stress and Anxiety

In 2018, an estimated 10 out of every 1,000 students in schools and Institutes of Higher Learning sought counselling support for stress and anxiety-related issues, though no specific macro-level breakdown is available.
All schools have at least one to two counsellors, while Institutes of Higher Learning have at least two to three, supplemented by part-time and teacher-counsellors to address student needs.
The Ministry of Education is focusing on upstream measures like mental health literacy training for teachers and preventive programmes, with all teachers already equipped with basic counselling skills to support students.

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11 Feb 2019

Measures against Less Permanent Establishments in Light of Food Poisoning and Hygiene Cases at Food Premises

Prof Fatimah Lateef requested increased surveillance and action for less permanent food establishments like pop-up and night market stalls due to hygiene and food poisoning incidents.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) enforces strict rules for temporary stalls, including required washing facilities, temperature control, and restrictions on high-risk food preparation.
Food handlers must be registered and pass a hygiene course, with violations facing penalties up to $10,000 and possible license suspension.
NEA conducts unannounced inspections and may step up monitoring or joint operations to address potential risks.
The agency committed to ongoing surveillance to ensure public health and food safety.

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11 Feb 2019

Usage Rate in Past Five Years of Automatic External Defibrilators Installed in Public Places

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health about the yearly usage rate of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public places over the past five years.
Gan Kim Yong explained that AEDs are used to restart the heart during cardiac arrest and are linked to higher survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
The latest data up to 2017 showed the AED usage rate increased from 1.9% in 2012 to 6.4% in 2017, attributed to greater public awareness and more AEDs available in public areas.

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11 Feb 2019

Number of Cases against Home-based Salons Providing Dental Services in Past Three Years

In the past three years, there were five reported cases of home-based salons providing dental services, and investigations into these cases are ongoing.
Under the Dental Registration Act, only registered dentists can practice dentistry in licensed premises, with penalties including fines up to $25,000 for first-time offenders and up to $50,000 or imprisonment for repeat offenders.
The Ministry of Health advises the public to verify licensed healthcare professionals and institutions through official websites and will enhance consumer education against unlawful dental services.

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11 Feb 2019

Regulations Governing Online Sale of Teeth Whitening Products

Melvin Yong inquired about the safety and regulation of online teeth whitening products, to which Health Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that such products are regulated as cosmetics under the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) Regulations, with hydrogen peroxide limited to 0.1% for consumer sale and higher concentrations reserved for dentists.
The Health Sciences Authority monitors product safety, conducts regular checks including online, and can require removal of unsafe listings, with violators facing fines up to $50,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.
Consumers are advised to buy from reliable suppliers and consult dentists for products exceeding 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, as misuse may damage teeth and gums.

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11 Feb 2019

Measures to Protect Soldiers and Students from Falling Victim to Skin Cancer from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light

The Ministry of Health highlighted that skin cancer is the ninth most common cancer in Singapore, with 10% of cases occurring in those under 50, and incidence in this group has more than doubled since the 1980s.
To protect soldiers and students, the Singapore Armed Forces and Ministry of Education schedule outdoor activities during less intense sunlight hours and provide protective gear, shade breaks, and education on sunscreen and hats.
While no local studies specifically monitor young soldiers or students for skin cancer due to its low incidence in this group, the government advises all citizens to take preventive measures and seek early medical attention for symptoms.

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11 Feb 2019

Top Three Reasons for Continuing Increase in MediFund Utilisation

The Minister for Health stated that MediFund utilisation rose due to expanded public healthcare capacity, with MediFund applications growing about 10% annually over the past decade.
He noted that MediFund’s coverage was broadened to include more services and conditions, such as non-residential care, polyclinics, dental, and antenatal services.
The Minister highlighted enhanced support for vulnerable groups through MediFund Silver and MediFund Junior, targeting the elderly and young respectively.
He mentioned that utilisation has stabilised since FY2016 following the introduction of MediShield Life and the Pioneer Generation package.
The government will continue monitoring MediFund to ensure sustainability and prevent healthcare access issues due to financial constraints.

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11 Feb 2019

Compensation for NSmen Injured during In-camp Training

MINDEF provides unlimited medical treatment for service-related injuries at government facilities, covering all necessary care, which is more comprehensive than the Work Injury Compensation Act's cap of one year or $36,000.
Injured NSmen are compensated for loss of earnings up to two years from the last call-up day, exceeding WICA's one-year limit.
Compensation for permanent disabilities from training incidents is doubled compared to WICA's amounts.
Financial assistance is available for families of selected injured servicemen through welfare schemes.

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11 Feb 2019

Visits to Polyclinics by Elderly Persons and Basis for Setting Withdrawal Limits for Healthcare Schemes

Zainal Sapari asked about elderly outpatient clinic visits, the basis for MediSave withdrawal limits of $500 and $200, and whether limits can be raised based on savings.
Gan Kim Yong stated that elderly patients with chronic conditions average six clinic visits per year with $200 bills, while those without average three visits with $60 bills, and that withdrawal limits are reviewed to balance current use and future savings.
The limits are deemed adequate for most, with case-by-case appeals and MediFund referrals available, but higher limits based on savings are cautious due to risks of depleting funds for future needs.

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11 Feb 2019

Campaign to Guide Seniors on Proper Eye Care and Exercises

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry of Health will launch a campaign to guide seniors on proper eye care and exercises to prevent dizziness and falls.
Gan Kim Yong outlined existing fall prevention efforts, including HPB’s awareness campaigns, guidebooks, health talks, and exercise programmes that have benefited over 70,000 seniors.
The Ministry also highlighted targeted interventions like home visits by Silver Generation Ambassadors and functional screenings through Project Silver Screen, which has assisted over 40,000 seniors with vision and other health checks.
MOH emphasized its commitment to strengthening fall prevention initiatives through collaboration with community partners and healthcare providers.
The debate underscored that falls among seniors are influenced by multiple factors, and comprehensive strategies combining education, exercise, and home modifications are being implemented.

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11 Feb 2019

Government Support for Employers to Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Activities among Employees

Member Gan Thiam Poh asked the Government to incentivize employers to encourage daily employee exercises for long-term health benefits.
The Government currently supports employers through integrated workplace health initiatives by the Workplace Safety and Health Council and Health Promotion Board, including co-funded exercise programs and corporate components like the National Steps Challenge.
Existing schemes offer co-funding of up to 70% for SMEs and 50% for non-SMEs for approved workplace exercise programs, and the Government will continue reviewing these initiatives.

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11 Feb 2019

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces compulsory Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (TCMPs) to raise professional standards, requiring 50 CPE points every two years for practising certificate renewal, with support from grants and funding schemes.
It strengthens the disciplinary framework by streamlining inquiry processes, allowing the Board to impose higher fines up to $50,000, and enabling immediate practice cessation orders in cases of serious public risk.
The amendments enhance the Board's investigative powers, such as warrantless entry and seizure for offence investigations, while introducing new penalties and procedures to improve fairness and timeliness in handling complaints.
Changes include expanding the Board's membership to 11 members for broader representation and updating enforcement provisions to better manage misconduct and protect patient safety.

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11 Feb 2019

Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Amendment) Bill

The government proposed standardised packaging for tobacco products, removing logos and colours while increasing graphic health warnings to 75%, to reduce smoking appeal and align with international health standards.
MPs supported the bill, citing evidence from countries like Australia where plain packaging reduced smoking rates, but raised concerns about enforcement, counterfeit risks, and transition periods for retailers.
The Senior Minister of State addressed queries by affirming the measure's public health benefits, outlining enforcement plans, and dismissing concerns about intellectual property conflicts based on WTO rulings.

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11 Feb 2019

Informed Consent for Medical Procedures Following Recent Case where Orthopaedic Doctor was Fined

The government reassured doctors that the recent $100,000 fine on an orthopaedic surgeon was for failing to inform the patient of any risks, not for omitting all possible side effects, to prevent defensive medicine.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged concerns about the Modified Montgomery Test causing confusion and rising costs, and announced it will engage medical bodies to review rules and provide clearer guidelines.
A Sentencing Guidelines Committee was appointed to ensure consistency and fairness in disciplinary decisions, aiming to rebuild trust in the self-regulatory medical system.

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15 Jan 2019

Government's Response to the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Cyberattack on SingHealth's IT System

The Government accepted all findings and recommendations from the Committee of Inquiry into the SingHealth cyberattack, which exposed personal data of 1.5 million patients and highlighted staff, process, and technical shortcomings, committing to strengthen cybersecurity across public sector systems through a multi-layered defence strategy and enhanced governance, training, and technology measures.
The Ministry of Health announced organizational reforms in the public healthcare sector, including separating cybersecurity and operational roles, establishing a three-lines-of-defence model, and piloting a "Virtual Browser" solution to balance internet access for patient care with security, while deferring mandatory contributions to the National Electronic Health Record until cybersecurity reviews are complete.
Disciplinary actions were taken, including terminations and financial penalties for individuals and organizations involved, with the Personal Data Protection Commission imposing a record S$1 million penalty on IHiS and SingHealth, while the Government emphasized ongoing vigilance, international cooperation, and public cyber hygiene to counter evolving threats.

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15 Jan 2019

Reports of Mental Health Cases in Schools

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Ministry of Education for data on reported mental health cases among students over the past five years, including diagnosed cases and requests for special examination provisions.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that precise numbers are difficult to determine due to confidentiality and lack of disclosure, noted the rise in mental health issues internationally, and highlighted that schools provide support regardless of diagnosis.
The Ministry reported that applications for examination access arrangements for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are very small, at 0.1% to 0.2% of the cohort over the last five years.
Dr Intan asked if extra time or alternative assessments could be provided for students with diagnosed mental health conditions, similar to provisions for dyslexia.
The Ministry stated it takes a case-by-case approach for access arrangements, works with professionals, and will consider the feedback to help students as much as possible.

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15 Jan 2019

Proposal to Promote Use of Generic Drugs in Public Healthcare Institutions

MOH promotes generic drug use in public institutions by maintaining a cost-effective drug basket, implementing automatic substitution and monitoring, with generic usage rising from 87% in 2013 to 99% in 2017.
The Senior Minister of State noted that retail pharmacy offerings are a business decision, but efforts are underway to encourage group purchasing in the private sector to reduce costs.
Mr. Leon Perera raised concerns about pricing transparency and suggested an online resource for patients to compare drug costs, which the Minister agreed to check.

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15 Jan 2019

Percentage of Standard versus Non-standard Drugs Prescribed for MediFund Compared to Non-MediFund Assistance Patients

The Ministry of Health stated it does not have ready data on the percentage of standard versus non-standard drugs prescribed for MediFund versus non-MediFund patients, but overall, 85% of drugs prescribed in public healthcare institutions are standard, with no systematic difference suggested between subsidised and non-subsidised patients.
Standard drugs are promoted through inclusion on the Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund, with subsidies provided when clinical criteria are met, while non-standard drugs may receive financial assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Governance mechanisms such as the Agency for Care Effectiveness guidelines, internal hospital committees, and drug utilisation monitoring are in place to ensure appropriate prescribing of both standard and non-standard drugs.

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15 Jan 2019

Review MediShield Life's Claim Limits to Address Gaps

The Ministry of Health explained that MediShield Life is part of a broader financing framework that includes subsidies, MediSave, and MediFund to keep healthcare affordable, noting that while claim limits are necessary to keep premiums reasonable, they will be reviewed more regularly (every three years) to address gaps like the recent low payout case, which was attributed to a complex procedure and high charges, though MediSave covered the patient's out-of-pocket cost.
MPs raised concerns about the adequacy of MediShield Life coverage, especially for elderly patients and complex procedures, suggesting reviews of hospital charges, more frequent adjustments to claim limits, and greater transparency on premiums and reserves to ensure public confidence and affordability.
The Minister acknowledged the need to monitor and manage healthcare costs, including considering technological advances like day surgeries in claim limit reviews, and assured that financial assistance schemes like MediFund are available, while emphasizing that the entire financing framework works together to provide holistic coverage and sustainability.

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14 Jan 2019

Measures to Teach Students to Spot Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Seek Help

Joan Pereira asked how the Ministry for Social and Family Development can collaborate with the Ministry of Education to teach students to recognize depression symptoms and seek help for themselves, friends, or family.
Desmond Lee emphasized building social and emotional resilience, with inter-agency collaboration including MSF, MOE, and MOH, and noted initiatives like the NurtureSG Taskforce to improve youth mental well-being.
In schools, the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum raises mental health awareness, reduces stigma, teaches students to spot signs like unexplained injuries or moody online messages, and encourages seeking help from teachers, counsellors, or parents.
The community and Family Service Centres play a role in identifying and supporting students with depression, with social workers coordinating with schools and specialists for holistic interventions.
Measures include training students to support peers, alert authorities if needed, and ensuring referral pathways to mental health professionals for those with psycho-social issues.

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