Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

19 Mar 2018

Babies Seeking Paediatric Care at KK Women's and Children's Hospital from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am in Past Five Years

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health about the number of babies seeking paediatric care at KK Women's and Children's Hospital from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am over the past five years, the average waiting time during those hours, and whether the Government will build more 24-hour outpatient paediatric clinics.
The Minister responded that in 2016 and 2017, 14,500 and 12,900 babies respectively sought care during those hours, with median waiting times of 20 and 27 minutes, and urgent cases are seen immediately.
The Minister noted that about one-third of these attendances were less urgent cases that could be managed by primary care doctors, and KKH is developing a community partnership network to address this.
The Ministry of Health is studying the possibility of piloting extended-hours paediatric urgent care clinics in areas with many young families, operated by primary care doctors for non-emergency cases.
Besides KKH, babies requiring emergency paediatric care can also seek treatment at the National University Hospital's Children's Emergency.

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19 Mar 2018

Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund for Second Mobility Device

Joan Pereira asked whether seniors can apply for a second mobility device under the SMF if their first one becomes irreparable.
The Ministry of Health clarified that SMF subsidies primarily target the first device, but exceptional cases for replacements may be assessed case-by-case by the Agency for Integrated Care.
The Ministry emphasized that financial need and circumstances will be considered when approving such replacement applications.

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19 Mar 2018

SAF Personnel Suffering from Psychiatric Ailment during or after Deployment Overseas

Only one SAF personnel has been diagnosed with PTSD since 1999, despite over 6,000 overseas deployments, with psychological disorder rates no higher than the general population.
Comprehensive mental health support includes pre-deployment screening, training, communication access, and post-deployment assessments, enabling early intervention by counsellors and psychiatrists.
Affected personnel receive fully subsidised treatment at government hospitals and clinics for as long as needed, even after service, with compensation aligned to injury and disability frameworks.
Veterans who develop disorders after leaving service are still eligible for the same medical support if the condition is linked to their service.

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19 Mar 2018

Number of Students Who Suffer from Depression and Other Mental Conditions

The Ministry of Education (MOE) does not have precise data on the number of students with depression or mental conditions, as these are often undisclosed due to stigma or lack of awareness, and the causes are typically multifactorial, including personal, familial, and academic pressures.
MOE collaborates with other agencies to support students, and schools monitor socio-emotional well-being, with teachers trained to identify at-risk students and refer them to counsellors or medical professionals as needed.
Teachers receive training on recognizing behavioral and emotional abnormalities, and schools may work with families, community partners, and health clinics, but this is subject to privacy considerations and parental consent.
The transfer of information between primary and secondary schools about a student’s mental health is handled on a case-by-case basis, balancing privacy, parental consent, and the need for continuity of support.

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19 Mar 2018

Coverage of Compulsory Medical Insurance Policies for Domestic Helpers

The Ministry of Manpower explained that the current compulsory medical insurance coverage of $15,000 meets 97% of domestic helper medical bills, and employers can seek help from medical social workers if they face genuine difficulties, though employers also have the option to purchase higher coverage plans.
MPs raised concerns about gaps in coverage for critical, chronic, or mental illnesses, the potential for huge out-of-pocket costs, and the need for better dissemination of information on enhanced insurance options, especially for elderly or first-time employers.
The Ministry responded that it tracks hospital bill data, engages employment agencies to improve communication about insurance options, and encourages employers to approach medical social workers or the Ministry if they encounter delays in claims or genuine financial hardship.

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7 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head O (Ministry of Health)

Parliament debated healthcare challenges, including rising costs due to an ageing population and chronic diseases, with MPs seeking updates on the Healthcare 2020 Masterplan and the progress of three key shifts: moving beyond healthcare to health, hospital to community, and quality to value.
Key topics included integrating health and social services, improving primary and aged care infrastructure, enhancing patient safety and mental health support, promoting preventive measures like the War on Diabetes, and addressing manpower shortages through training and career development.
The Ministry outlined responses, including new policies on insurance co-payments, expansion of chronic disease management and MediSave use, investments in community care and technology, and efforts to attract and retain healthcare workers.

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1 Mar 2018

Proposal for Association for Intermediate and Long-term Care Institutions

Ms K Thanaletchimi proposed forming an association for intermediate and long-term care institutions to share best practices, standards, staff training, and achieve economies of scale, similar to the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises.
The Senior Minister of State for Health responded that existing bodies like the Singapore Hospice Council, Association of Private Nursing Home Operators, and the National Council of Social Service already facilitate collaboration, while the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) coordinates sector-wide efforts to raise quality and share resources.
Ms Thanaletchimi clarified concerns about inclusivity across different types of institutions (VWOs, private, MOH-supported) and their ability to cross-learn best practices and share skills cohesively.
Dr Lam Pin Min acknowledged unevenness among providers but stated that current structures with AIC are effective, and while an ILTC association is not immediate, the government will monitor the sector’s needs for potential future consideration.

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27 Feb 2018

Follow-up Medical Care for Released Prison Inmates

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked about measures to streamline medical care for inmates with multiple conditions upon their release, including referrals to hospitals or clinics near their homes.
The Minister for Home Affairs stated that SPS provides referral letters for primary care, allowing inmates to choose polyclinics or family physicians.
For specialist or tertiary care, inmates are typically referred to Changi General Hospital for continuity, with options to transfer to other hospitals if needed.

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19 Feb 2018

Priority Outpatient Treatment for Elderly Patients at Polyclinics and Hospitals

Joan Pereira inquired about the priority queue scheme for frail and elderly patients at outpatient clinics and hospitals and its applicability across service points.
Gan Kim Yong explained that appointments are based on clinical need, with priority given to those who are more ill or require urgent care regardless of age.
He noted that clinics provide assistance such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, and priority seating for elderly or frail patients.
Additional conveniences like self-help kiosks, online booking, home medication delivery, and retail collection are available to reduce queuing.
The priority scheme is focused on clinical urgency and patient needs rather than solely on age, with support services integrated across service points.

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19 Feb 2018

Singapore Study on Consumption of Vitamins and Health Supplements

Most Singaporeans can meet their nutritional needs through a balanced diet, though certain groups like pregnant women may benefit from supplements, which should not replace medical treatment or a healthy diet.
Health authorities provide public advisories and conduct surveillance, testing over 900 products in five years and removing eight containing harmful substances like pharmaceutical drugs or heavy metals.
Online sales of health supplements are monitored through a risk-based approach, including routine surveillance, international cooperation, and post-market testing, though complete policing is not feasible.

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19 Feb 2018

Long-term Monitoring of Children and Youths who Have Experienced Sudden Death of Peers

Schools immediately identify and support affected students through teachers and counsellors, with ongoing monitoring and coping strategies taught to students and peers.
If distress persists, students are referred to school counsellors or medical professionals for further follow-up, with counsellors trained in grief and loss support.
Principals provide teachers with key information about the incident and guide them on handling student reactions, addressing queries, and countering misinformation to better support children and youths.

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6 Feb 2018

Compulsory CPR Training to All Secondary School Students

Joan Pereira proposed making CPR training compulsory for all secondary school students to increase the number of certified first-aiders in the community.
Ng Chee Meng clarified that CPR and AED training has been part of the Physical Education curriculum for Secondary 1 students since 2017.
He also noted that CPR is already a compulsory component in specific Uniformed Groups like Red Cross Youth, St John Brigade, and National Civil Defence Cadet Corps.

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6 Feb 2018

Support for Senior Citizens

Speakers emphasized a holistic approach to supporting seniors, focusing on health promotion, homecare services, assisted living models, and technology integration to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Multiple members highlighted the need for stronger family and community support, including public education on filial piety, improved caregiver leave and tax relief, and better protection against elder abuse and neglect.
The debate called for expanded employment opportunities for seniors, such as raising re-employment ages, eliminating age discrimination, and creating age-friendly workplaces through job redesign and flexible work arrangements.

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6 Feb 2018

Rollout of SGSecure in Condominiums and Private Estates

The Ministry of Home Affairs is progressively extending SGSecure outreach to private estates and condominiums, with house visits currently focused on HDB estates but planned to include private areas, while SGSecure activities remain accessible to all residents regardless of housing type.
A pilot programme is being developed to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in selected condominiums, expanding the existing Save-A-Life initiative that has already placed over 2,000 AEDs in HDB blocks, with training in CPR and AED use packaged alongside the installations.
The success of AED rollout depends on community involvement, including grassroots volunteers promoting CPR/AED skills and condominium management cooperation, with criteria for pilot selection considering location accessibility, management receptiveness, and maintenance plans.

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5 Feb 2018

Pensioners under Fixed Amount on Ward Medical Benefits Scheme and Co-payment on Ward Medical Benefits Scheme

99.6% of Fixed Amount on Ward pensioners have zero MediSave balances, with only 1,236 out of about 1,240 having withdrawn their MediSave completely.
In 2016, 50% of Co-payment on Ward pensioners, or 8,200 individuals, had MediSave balances below 30% of their cohort’s applicable Basic Healthcare Sum.
Both Fixed Amount on Ward and Co-payment on Ward pensioners can withdraw MediSave amounts above their required Basic Healthcare Sum if they meet the applicable Retirement Sum, as excess funds are automatically transferred to other CPF accounts.

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5 Feb 2018

Naming ElderShield on Enrolment and Payout Adequacy

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether the name "ElderShield" is appropriate given that enrolment begins at age 40, whether the current monthly payouts of $300 to $400 for up to 60 to 72 months are sufficient for severe disability, and how many people have opted out over the last decade.
Gan Kim Yong responded that the ElderShield Review Committee is evaluating the scheme’s payout quantum and duration, with recommendations expected mid-year after wide consultation.
He explained that the scheme provides basic long-term care insurance against severe disability, with enrolment from age 40 to allow premium payments during working years and lifetime coverage starting at age 40.
The opt-out rate for ElderShield has decreased from 11% in 2007 to 5% in 2016, indicating growing acceptance.

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5 Feb 2018

Proportion of Births versus Deaths of Those Aged 65 and Above Registered at Private and Public Hospitals

Sun Xueling asked the Minister for Health about the proportion of births and deaths for those aged 65 and above registered at private versus public hospitals over the last three years.
For births, public hospitals accounted for 41.7% in 2014, 43.3% in 2015, and 44.7% in 2016, while private hospitals accounted for 58%, 56.4%, and 54.9% respectively.
For deaths of those aged 65 and above, public hospitals registered 57.7% in 2014, 59% in 2015, and 59.1% in 2016, with less than 2% in private hospitals each year.
Approximately 40% of elderly deaths from 2014 to 2016 occurred in other places like nursing homes, charitable institutions, and personal residences.
A small proportion of births occurred at locations other than hospitals, such as personal residences.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Elderly Aged 65 and Above Who Live Alone from 2013 to 2017

The Minister for Health reported that the number of elderly Singapore residents aged 65 and above living alone increased from 2013 to 2017, but no official data is tracked on how many of them were found dead in their homes.
To address the growing number of seniors living alone, the Ministry of Health launched the Community Network for Seniors in 2016, which includes befriending initiatives supported by over 850 volunteers serving 2,500 vulnerable seniors across 47 constituencies.
The government is leveraging technology, such as the piloted Care Line service by Changi General Hospital, to provide 24/7 tele-befriending and telecare support to help seniors age well in place.
The Ministry emphasized that building communities of care requires collective efforts from all Singaporeans, alongside ongoing collaboration with community partners and other agencies to support seniors.

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5 Feb 2018

Outpatient Non-chronic Illnesses Treated and Cost of Medication in 2016 and 2017

Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Health about common non-chronic illnesses treated in outpatients and the average medication cost for such treatments in 2016 and 2017.
Gan Kim Yong listed common outpatient non-chronic illnesses as the common cold, diarrhea, vomiting, sprains, and strains.
Between 2015 and 2016, the average bill size for non-chronic visits at polyclinics was about $16 for Singapore Citizens after subsidies, including an average medication cost of $4.
At CHAS-participating GP clinics, CHAS Blue and Pioneer Generation cardholders paid slightly more than $20 per visit on average for non-chronic attendances, with pre-subsidy bills averaging about $45, roughly half of which was for medications.
Patients facing bill concerns at public healthcare institutions can apply for financial assistance, such as MediFund.

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5 Feb 2018

Annual Breakdown of Workplace-health Related Claims under Work Injury Compensation Act from 2015 to 2017

Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower about the number and total amount of workplace-health related claims under the Work Injury Compensation Act from 2015 to 2017.
In 2015, 2016, and 2017, there were 186, 211, and 202 workplace health-related claims awarded, respectively, constituting less than 1.5% of total claims annually.
The total amount claimed for these workplace health-related cases over the three years was $24.3 million, representing about 7.4% of the total Work Injury Compensation payouts.
The Ministry of Manpower and tripartite partners are collaborating to better address work-related ill-health as part of the Total Workplace Safety and Health Plan.

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