Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

1 Oct 2018

Causes for IT Glitch that Resulted in Patients Receiving Mislabelled Medicines

An IT vendor’s unapproved code change caused a system glitch in GP Connect that printed wrong dosage labels for over 100 clinics and 800 patients, though correct medicines and quantities were dispensed and no adverse effects were reported.
IHiS investigated, notified clinics, enhanced testing and monitoring, and is reviewing procedures to prevent future software errors, while clinics manually corrected labels during the incident.
Health Ministry noted existing clinic practices for prescription verification and will work with medical bodies to improve medication safety, while considering new technologies like blockchain for data security.

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10 Sep 2018

Annual Average Subsidy Disbursed Per CHAS Cardholder

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked for the annual average subsidy per CHAS cardholder since the scheme started and the projected annual expenditure for the next five years.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that in 2017, $154 million was disbursed to about 650,000 beneficiaries, averaging over $200 per beneficiary, compared to $13 million in 2012 for 75,000 beneficiaries, averaging about $170 per beneficiary.
The Ministry of Health plans to expand CHAS subsidies to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions, which will increase the total projected subsidies, though specific details are still being worked out.

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10 Sep 2018

Requirement for Use of MediSave for Emergency Treatment at Overseas Hospitals

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked if Singapore residency is required to use MediSave for overseas emergency treatment and the reasons for such a rule.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that MediSave is designed to help Singaporeans save for medical expenses, especially in old age, and is targeted at subsidised care within Singapore.
The Ministry of Health allows flexibility for rare overseas medical emergencies, permitting MediSave use on appeal, particularly for individuals normally resident in Singapore.
Each appeal is reviewed carefully on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual's circumstances.

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10 Sep 2018

Singaporeans Seeking Medical Help for Sleep-related Problems

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the trends, types, and health impacts of sleep-related issues among Singaporeans, and whether more measures are needed to address sleep deprivation.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that insufficient or poor-quality sleep can lead to health risks, with insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea being the most common problems; insomnia cases remained stable at around 5,100 annually from 2012 to 2016, while OSA hospital admissions rose from 3,592 in 2012 to 4,685 in 2017.
The Health Promotion Board runs awareness programmes for schools and parents, provides online sleep tips, and public hospitals hold forums, with the ministry committed to encouraging good sleep habits as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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10 Sep 2018

Costs of Visits for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Louis Ng asked for detailed patient and cost statistics for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Spondyloarthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis from 2015 to 2017.
The Ministry of Health provided subsidised B2 and C ward hospitalisation data for these conditions for the years requested.
The Ministry clarified it does not collect specific Specialist Outpatient Clinic or primary care data for these three conditions.

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10 Sep 2018

Singaporeans Aged 55 and Above with Hospital Inpatient Treatment Bills Exceeding Daily MediSave Withdrawal Limits

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the number of Singaporeans aged 55 and above whose inpatient hospital bills exceeded daily MediSave limits, the common reasons, and whether limits could be raised for unemployed elderly patients.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that up to 80% means-tested subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave ensure most hospital bills are affordable, with over 70% of B2/C ward patients needing no cash and over 80% paying less than $100 cash.
He noted that MediSave withdrawal limits are generally sufficient due to existing schemes, and appeals for additional MediSave use or MediFund assistance are available for those with financial difficulties.
The Ministry regularly reviews MediSave limits in coordination with subsidies and MediShield Life, but any changes must consider impacts on CPF contributions and long-term MediSave adequacy.

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10 Sep 2018

Government Contributions or Subsidies for Wages of Long-term Care Workers

Christopher de Souza inquired about increasing government contributions or subsidies for the wages of long-term care workers, including those in voluntary welfare organisations.
The Ministry of Health has provided over $200 million in direct funding to 59 long-term care service providers between 2012 and 2017 to help defray operating costs, including manpower expenses, leading to an average salary increase of about 30% for local workers.
The government also supports skills training, scholarships, grants, productivity improvement, and job redesign initiatives to enhance the value of jobs alongside salary increases.
The Ministry will continue efforts to improve career opportunities in the long-term care sector and regularly review funding support for staff salaries to ensure adequate recognition.

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10 Sep 2018

Coverage of and Payouts to Disabled Persons under CareShield Life

Murali Pillai inquired whether severely disabled Singaporeans and residents would receive lifelong coverage and payouts under CareShield Life.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that the national scheme provides lifetime coverage and payouts for eligible individuals as long as they remain severely disabled.
He emphasized that CareShield Life is a key pillar of Singapore’s social safety net for citizens and residents.

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10 Sep 2018

Seniors Receiving Home Personal Care Services and Current Waiting List

About 1,700 seniors receive Home Personal Care (HPC) services, with no overall waiting list across providers.
HPC fees average $23 per hour before subsidies, with eligible seniors receiving up to 80% in subsidies.
It is not meaningful to directly compare costs of subsidised nursing home care with HPC services, as they cater to different care needs.
Seniors facing financial difficulties can seek assistance from Medical Social Workers, including through MediFund.

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10 Sep 2018

Singaporean Long-term Care Workers' Salary and Career Prospects

The debate highlights that only about 40% of long-term care workers are Singaporeans, with a higher local presence in home and centre-based care compared to residential facilities.
The Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care are enhancing career prospects and salaries through training subsidies, scholarships, and grants for skills development.
Over $200 million was extended between 2012 and 2017 to raise salaries, leading to a 30% average increase for local workers in supported providers.
Efforts include supporting process improvements, technology adoption, and developing a Healthcare Skills Framework to guide career progression.
The government plans to continue collaborating with providers to improve opportunities and regularly review salaries for long-term care workers.

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10 Sep 2018

Latest Findings on Harmful Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked if the Ministry would consider lowering the recommended alcohol limit and how it would update public education on the harmful effects of alcohol.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the current recommended limit is already two drinks a day for men and one for women, with low consumption rates in Singapore.
The Health Promotion Board is raising awareness through school curricula, programs for students and servicemen, and collaborations with other agencies.
The Ministry will continue monitoring trends and review limits and education based on relevant local evidence.

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10 Sep 2018

Plans for Polyclinic in Braddell Heights Constituency

Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Health about plans for a polyclinic in Braddell Heights constituency.
The Ministry of Health regularly reviews subsidised primary care facilities, considering existing capacity and projected demand in Braddell Heights and surrounding areas.
Residents can access subsidised care at nearby polyclinics in Toa Payoh, Hougang, or Geylang, as well as nine CHAS GP clinics in Braddell Heights.

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10 Sep 2018

Minimum Standards for Providers of Home-based and Centre-based Services for Elderly Care

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has introduced developmental guidelines for home- and centre-based eldercare providers, requires funded centres to pass audits, and uses capability-building programmes and funding to raise staff training and quality standards, with plans for formal regulation under the upcoming Healthcare Services Act.
Healthcare professionals in the sector are licensed and held to strict standards by their respective bodies, and MOH will apply a risk-based regulatory approach to balance oversight with cost considerations.
The Singaporean Core is strengthened, with over 70% of the sector’s workforce being locals, and MOH supports salary increases and recognition to attract more Singaporeans to join the eldercare sector.

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10 Sep 2018

Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill

The Environmental Public Health (Amendment) Bill seeks to update the Environmental Public Health Act and make related changes to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act.
The bill was presented by Senior Minister of State Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan on behalf of the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
It was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading at the next available Parliament sitting.

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10 Sep 2018

Children under 18 Undergoing Cosmetic Surgeries

The Ministry of Health reported only one minor under 18 had cosmetic surgery in public hospitals over five years, with no data from private hospitals, but noted existing ethics require parental consent and a cooling-off period.
Dr. Chia Shi-Lu urged the Ministry to collect data on minors undergoing cosmetic surgery in private hospitals and develop specific guidelines for them due to their unique risks and motivations.
The Senior Minister of State for Health agreed to consider collecting private sector data and consult the Academy of Medicine on creating tailored guidelines for cosmetic surgery on minors.

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10 Sep 2018

Claims and Payouts under CareShield Life

Gan Thiam Poh proposed allowing CareShield Life payouts for those unable to perform one ADL, receiving a prorated one-third of the monthly benefit, instead of the current requirement of three or more ADLs.
The Senior Minister of State for Health explained that expanding coverage to mild or moderate disabilities would raise premiums significantly, undermining affordability and sustainability, and suggested private supplements or other government schemes for such cases.
Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry could offer an optional payout for one ADL, even with lower benefits or higher premiums, rather than requiring three ADLs.
The Minister responded that premium design would consider such options but noted that ElderShield supplements already provide coverage for fewer than three ADLs.

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10 Sep 2018

Special Committee to Address Training Needs, Programmes and Accreditation for Jobs under Healthcare Industry Transformation Maps

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has established dedicated committees and a Skills Framework to address training and accreditation for healthcare jobs under the Industry Transformation Maps, with union representation in these bodies.
MOH supports tripartite engagement with unions and healthcare clusters to identify training needs and develop programmes, but does not see the need for a formal training council.
The Skills Framework for Healthcare, to be completed this year, will initially cover roles such as nurses, allied health professionals, and support staff, mapping their skills and training programmes.

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10 Sep 2018

Employers' Recognition of Hospitalisation Leave Issued by Community Hospitals

The Ministry of Manpower will work with the Ministry of Health to update the Employment Act's list of approved medical institutions to include community hospitals, ensuring hospitalisation leave from directly admitted patients is recognised.
The review is ongoing, and the timeline for the update will be communicated once finalised, following consultation with tripartite partners.
The Minister noted suggestions to consider registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and Primary Care Network clinics, confirming these will be reviewed with the Ministry of Health.
Under the Employment Act, medical certificates are recognised for paid sick leave if issued by a Government medical officer or a registered practitioner in a company-approved panel, which may include Primary Care Network clinics if they meet these criteria.

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6 Aug 2018

Programme to Fight Prejudices and Stigmatisation of Mental Well-being in Secondary Schools

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked if the Ministry of Education will implement a regular and comprehensive programme in secondary schools to fight prejudices and stigmatisation regarding mental well-being, citing a study showing widespread negative perceptions among students.
Ong Ye Kung noted that negative perceptions stem from lack of awareness, but the study also found most students would support peers with mental illness, and schools are enhancing social and emotional learning, peer support, and help-seeking behaviours.
The Ministry of Education uses Character and Citizenship Education, school-based conversations, and student resources to raise awareness and reduce stigma, while the Health Promotion Board provides mental health briefings and resources for teachers and counsellors.

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6 Aug 2018

Average Life Expectancy of Disabled Persons Receiving Payouts under ElderShield

Murali Pillai asked for the average life expectancy of disabled persons receiving payouts under ElderShield and the expected average for future CareShield Life claimants.
The Ministry of Health stated that as of 2017, ElderShield claimants had an average payout duration of 2.8 years, with about one-third claiming for the full five or six years.
The ministry noted that the average duration of disability is higher than the payout duration, and three in ten severely disabled individuals are expected to remain in severe disability for 10 years or more.
CareShield Life, starting in 2020, will provide payouts for as long as a policyholder remains severely disabled, offering greater assurance for long-term care costs.
The ministry indicated that the average life expectancy of severely disabled Singaporeans is likely to increase in the future.

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