Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

10 Jul 2018

Number of Public Healthcare Workers Not Offered Re-employment

Over the past three years, 21 public healthcare workers aged 62 and above were not offered re-employment, with the majority ineligible due to poor performance or medical issues, while a few chose to retire voluntarily.
Of the two workers who were eligible but not re-employed and received Employment Assistance Payment, both were nurses, and the decision was mutually agreed after assessing their suitability and exploring re-employment options.
Public healthcare institutions are supporting mature workers through job redesign to lighten physical tasks and assign suitable duties, such as using assistive equipment and simplifying processes, while also offering pre-retirement programmes, reskilling, and flexible work arrangements.

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10 Jul 2018

Trend of Cord Blood Donation by Minority Races

Melvin Yong asked about the trend of cord blood donations by minority races over the past five years and plans to encourage such donations.
Over the past five years, the public Singapore Cord Blood Bank received about 4,000 annual donations, with 69% from Chinese, 9% from Malays, and 9% from Indians.
The Ministry has programmes to raise awareness, including efforts tailored for minority communities, such as working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore to address concerns of the Malay community.

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10 Jul 2018

Care Provisions in Welfare Homes and Support for Reintegration into Community

Christopher de Souza asked about the care provisions and reintegration support provided in welfare homes, with Desmond Lee responding that these homes offer long-term care to destitute persons under the Destitute Persons Act, with needs assessed and individualised care plans reviewed regularly.
Residents receive lodging with their own bed and personal space, nutritionist-endorsed meals, regular medical reviews and nursing care, fully subsidised standard medical treatment at public institutions, and counselling or therapy for emotional and social needs.
The Ministry sets minimum care standards, conducts unannounced inspections, and uses a Board of Visitors to ensure quality of care, while residents undergo rehabilitation to build skills for independent living.
Those with high reintegration potential are supported through external employment, home leave, and pre-discharge programmes, and are linked to community resources and family reconciliation efforts to facilitate their return to society.
Welfare Homes are run by voluntary welfare organisations with Ministry funding, and staff collaborate with volunteers and community agencies to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration.

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10 Jul 2018

CareShield Life

Senior Minister of State Chee Hong Tat explained that the existing cohort will join CareShield Life in 2021 to allow staggered implementation, ensuring the IT and support systems are ready for the initial 600,000 people, with plans to extend to approximately two million others afterward to manage administrative efficiency.
Minister Gan Kim Yong clarified that cash withdrawal from MediSave for long-term care needs is separate from CareShield Life, available to anyone over 30 with severe disability, and can only be accessed using the applicant's or spouse's MediSave, not other family members' accounts.
Chee Hong Tat addressed questions on transparency, noting the complex nature of the actuarial model and promising discussions with the independent Council and actuaries on sharing details, while highlighting differences in premium rebates between CareShield Life and the existing ElderShield scheme.

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10 Jul 2018

CareShield Life

The CareShield Life scheme, a new universal long-term care insurance plan, will replace ElderShield to provide lifelong cash payouts for Singaporeans who become severely disabled, with future cohorts from 1980 onwards automatically enrolled from age 30 to ensure inclusivity and risk-pooling.
To ensure affordability, the government will provide means-tested premium subsidies of up to 30%, transitional subsidies for the first five years, and additional support for those in financial need, with premiums payable via MediSave and optional upgrades from existing ElderShield policies.
The scheme will be administered by the CPF Board on a not-for-profit basis, overseen by an independent council to set premiums and payouts, and complemented by new measures allowing MediSave withdrawals for long-term care and the ElderFund scheme for low-income severely disabled citizens.

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10 Jul 2018

Rationale for Not Replacing ElderShield with CareShield Life

Several MPs raised concerns about transitioning from ElderShield to CareShield Life, questioning the lack of transitional subsidies, gender-neutral premiums, actuarial transparency, cost-efficiency compared to private insurers, and adequacy of premium support for low-income individuals.
The Minister for Health deferred detailed responses to an upcoming Motion on CareShield Life, indicating that the government would address these issues collectively rather than individually.
Key questions focused on ensuring fair and affordable coverage, transparency in premium calculations, and maintaining or improving cost-efficiency under the government-administered scheme.

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9 Jul 2018

Counselling for Children or Young Persons in Statutory Rape and Sexual Misconduct Cases Carried out by Persons Known to Victims

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned the sufficiency of current services for statutory rape and sexual misconduct cases involving children and known perpetrators, and whether mandatory counselling would be extended to families of victims in such situations.
Desmond Lee outlined that interagency protocols and services support victims and families, with MSF and SPF intervening to ensure child safety, provide trauma recovery support, and investigate perpetrators.
The government is piloting a one-stop multidisciplinary approach to reduce trauma for child victims during investigations, and courts can order perpetrators to undergo counselling or rehabilitation programmes.
Prevention through school-based education on personal safety, recognizing abuse, and seeking help is emphasized, alongside public awareness to report suspected cases to relevant authorities.
The government continuously reviews and improves interventions, aligning with international practices, and encourages public participation in protecting children from abuse.

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9 Jul 2018

Self-harm Cases Involving Children Aged 14 and Below

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh questioned whether self-harm cases among children aged 14 and below have increased, how they are reported, and what assistance is provided to them and their families.
Desmond Lee responded that self-harm is typically private, but cases are identified through visible injuries or medical treatment; schools teach coping skills and refer affected students to counsellors, with no significant rise in such referrals over three years.
Hospital data shows a decline in admissions for self-inflicted injuries among children aged 14 and below from 42 in 2015 to 30 in 2017, with medical and psychological support provided to those affected.
A holistic approach is taken, involving referrals to Family Service Centres and other agencies to support children and families, aiming to build resilience and address complex causes of self-harm.

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9 Jul 2018

Increasing Subsidy Rates under Community Health Assist Scheme for non-Pioneer Generation Seniors Aged above 60

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if the Government will consider increasing subsidy rates under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for non-Pioneer Generation seniors aged above 60, citing their lower retirement adequacy compared to younger Singaporeans.
Gan Kim Yong noted that CHAS was launched in 2012 and is regularly reviewed to ensure Singaporeans have access to affordable, quality primary care, with expansions like adding more chronic conditions in 2014 and 2015.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry will continue to review CHAS regularly and will take into account the Member's feedback in this process.

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9 Jul 2018

Plans for Polyclinic within MRT Station in Vicinity of Potong Pasir

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Health about plans for a polyclinic within one MRT station from Potong Pasir.
The Ministry of Health is developing a new Kallang Polyclinic in the Kallang-Balestier area.
The new polyclinic will be located next to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.
It will be within walking distance from Boon Keng MRT station.
The location is one MRT stop away from Potong Pasir MRT station.

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9 Jul 2018

Withdrawal of Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance Scheme by Statutory Boards

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns that statutory board officers who had pre-existing medical conditions could only get MediShield Life coverage at Class C and B2 levels after their hospitalisation and surgical insurance scheme was withdrawn, and that they could not buy riders or upgrades.
She asked whether the Ministry could negotiate with insurance companies to offer comprehensive coverage for all civil servants, especially those with pre-existing illnesses who previously had better coverage.
Chan Chun Sing replied that public officers hired after 1994 are on the MediSave-cum-Subsidised Outpatient (MSO) scheme, which provides additional MediSave contributions and outpatient subsidies, and that they can use these to buy Integrated Shield Plans at discounted premiums via a panel appointed by the Public Service Division.
He noted that one statutory board had offered a Group Hospitalisation and Surgical plan beyond the MSO scheme, but this was non-portable and expired in December 2017, and the board is now working to arrange new H&S coverage for its officers.
The response emphasised that MediShield Life covers all Singaporeans and that portable insurance options are available to public officers, but statutory boards may set their own additional benefits.

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9 Jul 2018

Review of Section 89 of Employment Act to Allow Coverage of Community Hospital Stay

K Thanaletchimi asked whether the Employment Act's hospitalisation leave covers stays in community hospitals and suggested a review due to the increasing use of such facilities.
Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that employees certified by a government or employer-appointed doctor as ill enough for hospitalisation in an acute hospital or national centre are entitled to hospitalisation leave, regardless of whether they recuperate in an acute hospital, community hospital, or at home.
Employees not certified for acute hospitalisation but deemed unfit for work can still use paid sick leave instead.
The exchange highlights the current coverage of hospitalisation leave under Section 89 and addresses the potential need to consider community hospital stays within the framework.
The debate underscores the policy's flexibility in supporting employee health and adapting to changing healthcare trends.

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9 Jul 2018

Promoting Awareness of Assistance for People with Mental Illnesses

The Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board run various initiatives in schools, workplaces, and communities to proactively reach out and raise awareness of mental health support services.
Programs include psycho-emotional education for students, manager workshops to support employees, and community outreach through teams that provide information and link individuals to services.
Efforts to reduce stigma include a multi-year public education campaign by the National Council of Social Service and events led by the Institute of Mental Health.

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18 May 2018

Health Effects from Exposure to Phthalates and Plasticizers Linked to Hormone Disruption and Reproductive Harm

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of Health monitors health effects from phthalates and plasticizers linked to hormone disruption and reproductive harm, especially in male infants, and if regulations will be considered for consumer goods containing harmful plasticizers.
The Ministry of Health does not routinely monitor health effects from phthalates among male infants but tracks global data and studies, noting potential but inconclusive harm from ingestion, and Singapore applies precautionary measures based on international standards.
Enterprise Singapore regulates phthalates in general consumer goods under safety regulations aligned with international standards and monitors compliance, with extra requirements for toys and childcare articles.
The Health Sciences Authority bans harmful plasticizers in cosmetic products under cosmetic regulations, and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority ensures plastic food packaging safety, including milk bottles, through surveillance.

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18 May 2018

Medical Insurance Coverage when Foreign Domestic Worker is Put on Special Pass

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether mandatory medical insurance for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) continues when they are placed on a Special Pass, and who would cover medical costs if not.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that the mandatory medical insurance purchased by the employer remains in force when an FDW is on a Special Pass after their Work Permit is cancelled.
Employers are responsible for the FDW's upkeep and medical treatment during the period between Work Permit cancellation and departure from Singapore.
In exceptional cases where an FDW remains for investigations, the Ministry of Manpower or Police will assist with medical treatments and pay bills as required.

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16 May 2018

Debate on President's Address

Several MPs highlighted the need to support SMEs through transformation, improve infrastructure like HDB flats and community hubs, and foster a gracious, considerate society to overcome national challenges.
There were calls to further liberalise MediSave use for outpatient treatments, exempt primary healthcare from GST, and expand MediShield Life coverage to include pregnancy complications and mental health conditions.
Emphasis was placed on creating inclusive workplaces by supporting older workers and women through flexible work arrangements, while addressing social inequality and class divides in education through equitable school funding and admissions.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health is shifting its healthcare system's focus from treatment to prevention, from hospitals to community care, and from quality to value, aiming to empower Singaporeans to stay healthy and age successfully.
MOH plans to strengthen primary care by expanding polyclinics and Primary Care Networks, enhance infectious disease preparedness, and enact new legislation to improve regulatory clarity and patient safety.
A new Office for Healthcare Transformation will drive innovation and test new care models, while financing policies will be reviewed to better target subsidies and integrate community-based care.
Efforts will include promoting productivity through a new procurement agency, supporting informed healthcare choices, and expanding the Action Plan for Successful Ageing with more community facilities and social support for seniors.
MOH will invest in healthcare workforce development, update the Health IT Master Plan to leverage technology, and foster collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare.

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20 Mar 2018

Subsidies for Incontinence Treatment

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Ministry of Health about the number of seniors with incontinence, treatment costs, and potential subsidies for early treatment.
The Senior Minister of State for Health stated that exact data is unavailable but noted 2,900 seniors received subsidised incontinence treatment recently, with median annual costs under $10 after subsidies; seniors can get up to 75% subsidies at polyclinics and additional help from medical social workers.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah suggested more awareness programmes by the Health Promotion Board to prevent incontinence, and the Ministry agreed to collaborate with community partners on preventive talks.
Dr Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about the cost of consumables like adult diapers, and the Ministry highlighted the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund, which offers means-tested subsidies for such items.
The Ministry offered to work with Dr Tan to raise awareness about assistance for incontinence-related consumables in his constituency.

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20 Mar 2018

Counselling for Family Members of Patients in Palliative Care

The Ministry of Health stated that palliative care teams, which include counsellors and social workers, assess and support family members’ needs throughout the patient’s end-of-life journey, providing counselling for caregiving, grief, and bereavement.
Counselling is integrated into the palliative care process from the point of referral and is ongoing, with services made known to families during holistic assessments upon admission.
MOH is working with community partners like the Singapore Hospice Council to raise public awareness about palliative care and end-of-life counselling through events and outreach programmes.

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19 Mar 2018

Utilisation of Respite Care Services and Median and Range of Fees Charged

The median daily respite care fee in Q4 2017 was $74.40, with fees ranging up to $107, but after subsidies, 62% of families paid less than $10 per day and 14% had fees fully waived.
Respite care is provided by 10 homes (seven Adult Disability Homes and three Children Disability Homes), with 80 available spaces and an average utilisation rate below 10% in Q4 2017.
The capacity of respite care services has been assessed as sufficient to meet projected demand over the next five years.

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