Health

Yip Hon Weng asked about expanding the national genetic testing program to include common multifactorial conditions like Type II diabetes for early preventive measures. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health currently uses a disease-centric approach focused on established gene-disease relationships and proven interventions. The Ministry has initiated testing for some diseases and plans to explore testing for Type II diabetes in the future.

Valerie Lee raised concerns about the increasing cancer rates among individuals under 40 and sought information on the government's cross-sector measures for prevention and treatment. Ong Ye Kung responded that the government is implementing population health initiatives, including discouraging smoking and alcohol use, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Vaccinations and early detection through screening programs are prioritized for specific cancers under Healthier SG. The government will also support research into various aspects of cancer management and coordinate efforts through the Singapore Translational Cancer Consortium, while continuously reviewing their prevention and care strategies.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised concerns regarding the low number of lung transplants performed in Singapore since 2000, specifically asking about outcomes, competency maintenance, and potential solutions to prevent skills erosion. Ong Ye Kung reported that between 2020 and 2025, four lung transplants were conducted, with three recipients passing away and one recovering well. He explained that the low volume of surgeries is due to fewer cases of end-stage lung diseases in Singapore compared to Western countries. To maintain expertise, the transplant team engages in training abroad, collaborates with international experts, and practices related surgical techniques through other thoracic surgeries and animal models.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the consideration of the CDC's recommendation for infants aged six to 11 months to receive an early dose of the MMR vaccine before traveling. Ong Ye Kung stated that the Communicable Diseases Agency has recommended such an early dose for infants traveling to areas with measles outbreaks, emphasizing its importance for reducing infection risk. He noted that while this early dose is recommended for travel, infants should still complete the standard two-dose MMR vaccine series for long-term immunity.

Hazlina Abdul Halim asked about specialized support services available to social workers who assist children in residential homes under Family Guidance Orders dealing with vape and etomidate-laced vape addiction. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that social workers have access to specialized services, including training focused on managing substance abuse and addiction recovery for these children.

Yip Hon Weng asked for guidance regarding doctors' honesty when disclosing links between diagnoses and genetic disorders in insurance forms, while complying with the Moratorium on Genetic Testing and Insurance. Ong Ye Kung explained that the Moratorium prohibits insurers from using predictive genetic test results for underwriting, to maintain a balanced risk pool. The Ministry of Health has collaborated with the Life Insurance Association to ensure that application forms align with these guidelines, requiring relevant and accurate disclosures while protecting underlying genetic information. For high-value insurance products, insurers may request additional genetic information, but the moratorium does not apply after policy acceptance, allowing for relevant medical history in claim assessments. The Ministry plans to enhance legislative protections for genetic information to bolster public confidence.

Yip Hon Weng asked about MMR vaccination outreach for long-term foreign residents, measures for detecting imported cases, and the thresholds for reconsidering border surveillance in light of recent travel-related cases. Ong Ye Kung responded that since February 2019, foreign-born children under 12 and certain workers must be vaccinated against measles to obtain long-term immigration passes. Measles is notifiable, with investigations and public health actions initiated for reported cases, and Singapore's high vaccination rates currently mitigate the need for border measures.

Christopher de Souza asked if the government would consider expanding MediSave funds for purchasing hearing aids due to their impact on quality of life and mental wellness in Singapore’s ageing population. Ong Ye Kung responded that seniors and persons with disabilities can currently use the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and the Assistive Technology Fund for hearing aids, which provide up to 90% subsidies based on income eligibility criteria. The eligibility cap for these subsidies has been raised to $4,800 to benefit more individuals, and additional support for severe hearing loss can be accessed through subsidies and enhanced MediSave and MediShield Life limits. For further financial assistance, Singaporeans can contact relevant agencies and social workers for support, ensuring no one is denied healthcare due to financial constraints.

Cai Yinzhou asked about the number of medical social workers in public healthcare and community settings, as well as their caseloads and case durations from 2023 to 2025. Ong Ye Kung responded that there were approximately 940 medical social workers in 2023 and 2024, but that 2025 data is not yet available. The Ministry does not track specific average or median caseloads or durations due to variability based on case complexity. The Ministry of Health periodically reviews and updates manpower plans in the public healthcare sector.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) collects data on the mental health history of arrested drug abusers and the proportion of first-time abusers with prior mental health diagnoses since 2021. K Shanmugam responded that the CNB does not collect such data. The Singapore Prison Service assesses inmates' physical and mental health upon admission, using the National Electronic Health Record System and a screening questionnaire. As of December 2024, approximately 10% of the total inmate population had been diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling asked about the Ministry of Health's tracking of compulsory vaccinations for children against measles and diphtheria, including compliance rates and actions taken for those unvaccinated. Minister Ong Ye Kung reported high vaccination coverage rates for measles (93% at age two and 97% at age seven) and diphtheria (89% at age two and 95% at age 11). To address unvaccinated children, the ministry utilizes HealthHub notifications, reminder letters, preschool enrollment requirements, and offers catch-up vaccinations in schools.

Joan Pereira questioned the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health about measures to prevent measles spread, public education on prevention and recovery, and recommendations for MMR vaccine boosters for adults. Ong Ye Kung responded that enhanced public health measures have been implemented, including isolation, contact tracing, vaccination, and quarantine to curb measles spread, with public awareness heightened through government channels. He also highlighted the National Adult Immunisation Schedule, recommending MMR vaccinations for adults without prior vaccination or immunity and advising consultation with healthcare providers for those uncertain about their status.

Yip Hon Weng questioned the Minister for Health about recent local measles cases regarding residency status, breakthrough infections, assessment of undetected community transmission, and herd immunity. Ong Ye Kung reported 50 confirmed measles cases from 2021 to 2025, with the majority being residents and six breakthrough infections among vaccinated individuals. Vaccination coverage for resident children is high, with about 93% for Dose 2 at age two and 97% by age seven, exceeding the herd immunity threshold needed to protect vulnerable groups. Singapore is at risk from imported cases and small clusters due to unvaccinated populations but currently shows no signs of sustained community transmission.

He Ting Ru asked for updates on the National Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, including the establishment of time-bound targets and how success is measured. Dr. Koh Poh Koon reported that several initiatives have been launched since 2023, focusing on standardizing care, expanding service capacity, training personnel, promoting mental health education, and enhancing workplace support. He confirmed that the National Mental Health Office will aim to publish data on performance metrics publicly over time, while also acknowledging the complexity of measuring immediate outcomes related to mental health. Progress will be monitored through ongoing measurements of indicators related to care accessibility and the treatment gap over the long term.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the 21% decline in cancer mortality since 2012, asking about the policy decisions and healthcare investments behind this improvement, as well as how benefits are reaching lower-income and less health-literate Singaporeans. Rahayu Mahzam highlighted that advancements in healthcare have improved early detection and treatment, benefiting all patients, and emphasized the need for further cancer prevention efforts. Yip also questioned how the cost-effectiveness thresholds for drugs on the Cancer Drug List (CDL) are set and the widening access gap between subsidized patients and private payers. Rahayu responded that the subsidy framework supports lower-income groups, has led to significant reductions in drug prices, and assured that the government ensures access to clinically and cost-effective treatments for all.

Dr. Koh Poh Koon, the Senior Minister of State for Health, detailed measures taken to enhance national health safety, including alerts to healthcare practitioners and heightened monitoring at migrant worker onboarding centers. Incoming individuals exhibiting symptoms will be proactively managed through isolation and supportive care, with guidance to monitor symptoms based on prior exposure to at-risk areas. The Minister indicated that it is premature to focus on vaccine targets at this time. A correction was later issued regarding the monitoring guidance for newcomers.

Dr. Koh Poh Koon addressed enhancements to the electronic health declaration card as part of the SG Arrival Card during a parliamentary session. The card now prompts arriving individuals to disclose their previous travel destinations only if they report symptoms. If no symptoms are reported, there will be no prompt for monitored travel destinations, streamlining the compliance process. A factual correction was issued clarifying that only already monitored destinations would be prompted if no symptoms are indicated, ensuring ease of submission while avoiding over-declaration.

Yip Hon Weng asked if registered community optometrists would be granted role-based access to the National Electronic Health Record (NEHR) for viewing patient information and contributing eye-care findings to enhance clinical safety and care coordination. Ong Ye Kung responded that optometrists in Healthcare Services Act licensed institutions can access NEHR to support patient care, while those in non-HCSA licensed institutions are not currently required to submit their health information to NEHR.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the percentage of healthcare professionals with conditional or provisional registration who do not achieve full registration after their training term and what support is provided to help them. Ong Ye Kung reported that 3% to 5% of healthcare professionals fail to obtain full registration after their training. Those not achieving full registration can continue to practice under supervision while working towards full registration. Standardized training programs and competency frameworks are in place to assist their progression, along with regular performance reviews for targeted support and additional training.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan asked for demographic data on help-seekers using national mindline 1771, including age, gender, contact distribution across channels, and anonymity rates. Ong Ye Kung reported that over 39,000 contacts have been received since the service launched in June 2025, with 26% remaining anonymous. The distribution of help-seekers across contact channels is approximately 60% via hotline, 25% via WhatsApp, and 15% via webchat. Most help-seekers are aged 20 to 35, and referrals often go to Community Outreach Teams, Community Intervention Teams, and Family Counselling Centres, with 10% requiring immediate crisis intervention, 75% needing early support and counseling, and 15% seeking wayfinding and referrals.