Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

14 Jan 2019

Causes of Mass Food Poisonings in October, November and December 2018

The Ministry of Health, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, and National Environment Agency investigated five separate food poisoning incidents in late 2018 and confirmed no links between them, with causes ranging from Salmonellosis and norovirus to unidentified pathogens.
Specific causes included poor personal hygiene and food handling practices at Spize Restaurant and Mandarin Orchard Hotel, hygiene lapses such as improper food segregation and cockroach infestation at FoodTalks and Tung Lok, and poor kitchen habits at Team Catering.
The National Environment Agency took enforcement actions, including licence termination for Spize Restaurant, suspension of licences for Tung Lok and Mandarin Orchard Hotel, and issuing a summons to FoodTalks, with penalties for selling unfit food.
The government plans to enhance consumer access to food hygiene records through its website and app, and is considering measures to better notify the public about licence suspensions.
Consumers are advised to engage only licensed caterers, follow "consume by" timelines, and report poor hygiene practices to authorities.

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14 Jan 2019

Update on NEA’s Implementation of Smoke-free Zone in Orchard Road Area

The Orchard Road No-Smoking Zone was implemented on 1 January 2019 to advance the smoke-free Singapore goal, with NEA conducting extensive publicity through signs, advertisements, and community engagement.
Over 40 designated smoking areas have been set up within the zone, spaced 100–200 meters apart and positioned away from pedestrian paths, with their locations shared via online platforms and brochures.
NEA is monitoring the usage of these areas and evaluating the effectiveness of the no-smoking zone in reducing public exposure to second-hand smoke.

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14 Jan 2019

Usage of MediSave to Pay for Parents’ Healthcare Costs in Past Five Years and Median Withdrawal Value

From 2014 to 2017, about 6% of all MediSave withdrawals were used to cover healthcare costs for parents, including inpatient, day surgery, and outpatient expenses.
The median withdrawal value for these parent-related MediSave uses was not specified in the provided debate excerpt.
The exact number of people using their MediSave for parents' healthcare costs in each of the past five years was not detailed in the response.
The debate indicates a consistent portion of MediSave withdrawals supporting parents' healthcare over the period, but further breakdowns are needed for precise figures.

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14 Jan 2019

Median, Average and Range of Balances in CPF Members' MediSave Accounts in Last Five Years on Their Demise

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked the Minister for Health about the median, average, and range of balances in CPF members' MediSave accounts over the last five years upon their passing.
Gan Kim Yong responded that between 2013 and 2017, half of Singaporeans aged 65 and above who passed away had about $5,500 or less in their MediSave accounts.
For those who passed away at 85 or older, half had $4,000 or less left in their MediSave accounts.
The data is summarized in a table, and some members benefited from the Pioneer Generation Package, which includes annual MediSave top-ups of up to $800 and additional MediShield Life premium subsidies.

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14 Jan 2019

Tuberculosis Cases among Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore in Last Five Years

Over the last five years, an average of 146 new foreign domestic worker (FDW) applicants per year were diagnosed with active TB during work permit screening, and about 200 existing FDW work permit holders per year were diagnosed with active TB.
FDWs are required to undergo TB screening within two weeks of arrival and again after two years in Singapore; those found with active TB are denied work permits and must return home unless their employers provide support.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that early medical attention for TB symptoms, strict adherence to treatment via Directly Observed Treatment (DOT), and employer support are critical to prevent transmission and ensure cure.

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14 Jan 2019

Progress of Pilot Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening Programme at National University Hospital

The Ministry of Health began a three-year pilot Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening programme in 2017, which is on track for completion in 2020, with 221 patients recruited as of December 2018.
Eligibility criteria include being aged 35 or above, having two or more recurrent implantation failures, or experiencing two or more recurrent pregnancy losses, regardless of age or prognosis.
Patients from public Assisted Reproduction centres at NUH, KKWCH, and SGH are eligible and can be referred to the NUH lab for PGS, while private patients may also be referred to these public centres for assessment.

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14 Jan 2019

Illegal Access to Health Promotion Board's HealthHub Accounts in September and October 2018

HPB investigated unusually high login attempts to HealthHub in late September and early October 2018, involving over 27,000 email addresses, which were mostly unrelated to actual HealthHub accounts, though 72 accounts were successfully accessed.
The incidents were limited to the basic tier of HealthHub, which contained user profiles and Healthpoints, and did not affect services requiring SingPass or two-factor authentication, with no evidence of a system breach.
As a precaution, HPB suspended e-services, locked the affected accounts, contacted users, and advised them to reset passwords, with no adverse impact confirmed on the accounts.
HPB introduced additional security measures, including authentication against automated attacks and OTP for Healthpoints redemption, and has not detected further incidents since the events.
Officials assured ongoing efforts to strengthen systems for better protection, monitoring, and response to cyber threats, while reminding users to use strong, unique passwords.

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14 Jan 2019

Published Fee Benchmarks for Surgical Procedures at Private Hospitals

Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about MOH's monitoring of compliance with the new fee benchmarks for surgical procedures at private hospitals.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that the benchmarks provide a reference for reasonable professional fees, guiding providers and aiding patient decision-making.
Doctors are expected to use the benchmarks to set fees and justify charges exceeding the range, especially in complex cases.
MOH already monitors hospital bill sizes and charges, queries concerning patterns, and takes follow-up actions if needed.
MOH welcomes feedback to refine the benchmarks and ensure their effectiveness.

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14 Jan 2019

Role of Overseas Missions Towards Singaporeans in Distress in Foreign Countries

Overseas Missions provide timely consular assistance, support, and advice to Singaporeans and their families facing serious illness, accidents, or death abroad, including contacting local authorities to ensure proper medical care and helping with administrative processes to bring the affected person home.
Missions assist with logistical arrangements such as locating affected Singaporeans, coordinating with local hospitals and authorities, and facilitating medical repatriation or burial, as demonstrated in the Makkah bus accident case where officers visited hospitals, located pilgrims, and managed repatriation and burial.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot cover expenses for medical care or repatriation, it liaises with families and works with Singapore agencies to explore financial support options like MediSave, and advises Singaporeans to purchase travel and medical insurance for adequate protection.

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14 Jan 2019

Update on Efforts and Proposed Measures to Reduce Sugar Intake Amongst Singaporeans

The Health Promotion Board uses a multi-pronged strategy, including the Healthier Choice Symbol and campaigns, to encourage Singaporeans to choose lower-sugar options and make healthier alternatives more available in the food and beverage sector.
Efforts to reduce sugar intake have shown progress, such as a decline in the average sugar level of pre-packaged sugar-sweetened beverages and an increase in the proportion carrying the Healthier Choice Symbol, though daily sugar consumption remains high.
The Ministry of Health has initiated a public consultation on four measures—mandatory nutrition labels, advertising regulations, a ban on high-sugar drinks, and a sugar tax—to further reduce sugar intake, with evidence supporting the individual effectiveness of each measure.
The Ministry is engaging the public and industry in the consultation, and will consider feedback and evidence before deciding on any measures, noting that the proposals are not mutually exclusive and can reinforce each other.

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14 Jan 2019

Plan to Address Psychosocial and Mental Health Needs of Caregivers

The Ministry of Health outlined its current multi-faceted approach, which includes expanding day and home care places, making respite care more accessible, and providing emotional and psychosocial support through community outreach and intervention teams.
Specific initiatives for caregivers of persons with disabilities were highlighted, such as the "Caregiver Pod" under the Third Enabling Masterplan, alongside efforts to foster peer support networks and encourage ground-up community programs.
The Minister acknowledged that more can be done, confirming that a review is underway to strengthen support for senior caregiving, with the Ministry actively engaging caregivers and stakeholders to develop new recommendations for care navigation and socio-emotional support.

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14 Jan 2019

Blood Donation Rates Compared to Other Countries and Contingency Measures for Blood Shortages

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked how Singapore's blood donor rate compares to other developed countries, what contingency measures exist for blood shortages, and how the Ministry will ensure donations keep up with rising demand from an ageing population.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that Singapore's 1.8% donor rate in 2017 is comparable to other Asia-Pacific countries, with a donor pool that is generally adequate but faces occasional shortages during festive seasons or school holidays.
Contingency measures include ramping up donor recall efforts via social media and text messages, setting up more mobile blood drives, and, in critical situations, postponing non-urgent surgeries or launching mass media appeals for donations.
Efforts to boost donations include building satellite blood banks, focusing on recruiting young regular donors, and frequently holding blood drives at educational institutions to address future demand from an ageing population.

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14 Jan 2019

Gardasil Vaccine Not Replaced with Gardasil-9 Vaccine in MediSave Claimable List

Ms Irene Quay Siew Ching questioned why the Gardasil vaccine is not replaced with the Gardasil-9 vaccine on the MediSave claimable list, noting Gardasil-9 covers more HPV strains and increases cervical cancer prevention from 70% to up to 90%.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that currently, MediSave can be used for the Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines, which protect against two common HPV types causing 70% of cervical cancer cases and have been proven clinically and cost-effective in Singapore.
The Minister explained that Gardasil 9 is a newer vaccine offering broader protection, but the Ministry of Health is still evaluating its cost-effectiveness compared to the existing vaccines before any decision on inclusion is made.

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14 Jan 2019

Initiatives with Companies such as Facebook for "Suicide Watch" Intervention Programmes

Desmond Choo inquired about the Ministry's potential collaboration with social media companies, such as Facebook, to assist residents in distress and develop "suicide watch" intervention programs.
Desmond Lee highlighted Singapore's multi-pronged approach, combining in-person and online efforts like community drop-in centres, public education campaigns, and safe online spaces for support.
The Ministry noted concerns about the effectiveness, data privacy, and civil liberties implications of automated "suicide watch" systems and plans to continue reviewing enhancements in suicide prevention.

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14 Jan 2019

Supporting Psychosocial Needs of Migrant and Domestic Workers in Singapore

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides support for migrant and domestic workers through the Settling-In Programme, which educates them on Singapore’s social norms, employment rights, and stress management, and works with NGOs and centres like the Migrant Workers' Centre to offer recreational facilities and counselling services.
Migrant workers face psychosocial stress from being away from family, adjusting to a new culture, and often being first-time migrants, but current data does not show higher mental illness risks by nationality or sector, and the Institute of Mental Health has seen stable, low numbers of foreign worker cases.
Employers are responsible for the medical costs of their foreign workers, including mental health conditions, but standard insurance schemes typically exclude mental illness, with optional riders available from some insurers.

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14 Jan 2019

Update on Work of Agency for Care Effectiveness

The Agency for Care Effectiveness (ACE) was established in 2015 to assess and promote clinically and cost-effective health technologies, guiding subsidy decisions and publishing Drug or Medical Technology Guidances and Appropriate Care Guides.
Over the last three years, ACE completed 62 technical evaluations, published 28 Drug Guidances, two Medical Technology Guidances, and nine Appropriate Care Guides focused on chronic diseases like diabetes and COPD.
Usage of subsidised, ACE-evaluated drugs such as dapagliflozin increased from 40% to 65% within a year, reflecting higher adoption of effective technologies.
ACE also negotiates with manufacturers for fair prices to improve healthcare access and affordability, with its evaluations influencing Ministry of Health subsidy extensions.

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14 Jan 2019

Rationale for Polyclinics Charging Private Rates for Follow-up Treatment for Referrals Made by GPs on CHAS

Zainal Sapari questioned why polyclinics charge Singaporeans private rates for follow-up treatments or investigations when referred by GPs under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and asked if the policy could be reviewed for subsidised rates.
Gan Kim Yong explained that polyclinics provide subsidies for acute and chronic care but not for private GP-referred services, as polyclinic doctors cannot assess the clinical appropriateness of tests ordered by external GPs.
The Ministry of Health will review ways to better support CHAS patients, including improving access to clinically appropriate subsidised tests and investigations from CHAS GPs.

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14 Jan 2019

Regulation of Chiropractic Industry

Leon Perera raised questions about regulatory guidelines, customer recourse, and potential further regulation of the chiropractic industry under the Allied Health Professions Act.
MOH explained that chiropractic is currently unlicensed and regulated through a risk-based approach, with practitioners encouraged to self-regulate via their professional association.
Complaints related to advertising or medicines can be sent to MOH, while other disputes should be directed to the Consumers Association of Singapore.
MOH stated it will continue to monitor patient safety risks and periodically review the need for licensing chiropractic services.
No formal legislation currently exists, but chiropractors are advised to follow industry standards set by their association and comply with existing medicines and advertising laws.

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14 Jan 2019

Subsidy Level for Patients with Private Insurance Coverage for Hospitalisation but Not Outpatient Treatment

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of appeals for subsidized outpatient care from patients with private insurance that only covers hospitalization and whether such patients can still receive subsidized outpatient treatment at polyclinics and public hospitals.
Gan Kim Yong stated that all Singaporeans are eligible for subsidized outpatient treatments at polyclinics and public hospitals, regardless of their insurance coverage, and outlined specific eligibility criteria for Specialist Outpatient Clinics.
He noted that patients may switch from private to subsidized care due to financial reasons, with an average of about 4,000 such requests annually over the past five years, assessed case-by-case by healthcare providers.
Patients facing financial difficulties are encouraged to approach medical social workers to discuss available support options.

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14 Jan 2019

Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill

The debate focused on amendments to the Infectious Diseases Act, with MPs supporting enhanced powers for surveillance, border control, and public health measures to prevent the spread of diseases, while seeking clarifications on safeguards, operational details, and support for affected individuals.
Key proposals included discretionary turn-back of unvaccinated travellers, improved verification of vaccination certificates, and the use of technology like AI for early detection at entry points, with calls for better coordination and public education to manage non-compliance.
Ministers outlined safeguards, such as risk-based assessments for border measures, limits on the duration of restrictions, and plans to work with agencies for income support, while emphasizing the balance between public health needs and individual liberties.

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