Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

3 Jul 2017

Average Waiting Time at A&E Department at Each Public Hospital

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about the average waiting times at Accident and Emergency Departments from 2013 for emergency non-life-threatening cases and admissions at each public hospital.
Gan Kim Yong responded that median waiting times for non-life-threatening cases averaged 23, 22, 18, and 17 minutes in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 respectively.
For patients requiring admission, median waiting times averaged two hours, 2.3 hours, two hours, and 1.6 hours across the same years.
The Minister noted that hospitals have protocols to ensure care quality despite high demand, with patients being monitored while waiting for admission.
He emphasized that life-threatening cases are prioritized and attended to immediately, with waiting times reflecting emergency department prioritization.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Dental Health among Pre-Primary Children

Dental health among pre-primary children has not improved over the last decade, with the proportion of Primary 1 children with dental caries increasing from 50.9% in 2007 to 53.1% in 2016.
HPB has been providing oral health promotion and dental treatment at nominal cost since the early 2000s, and its tooth-brushing programme with fluoridated toothpaste reached 1,026 childcare centres by 2016.
The Ministry will expand free oral health screening for preschoolers under the NurtureSG Plan, targeting at least 1,100 childcare centres by 2020.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Compulsory Pre-market Approval for Health Supplements

Melvin Yong asked whether the Ministry of Health will consider mandatory pre-market approval for health supplements before they are imported and sold in Singapore.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that health supplements are regulated under a risk-based approach, are not required to have pre-market approval, and are treated similarly in jurisdictions like the US, EU, and Japan due to their lower risk compared to pharmaceutical drugs.
The Ministry noted that pre-market regulation could increase costs for companies and reduce consumer choice in Singapore’s small market, but importers and sellers are responsible for ensuring product safety, quality, and truthful claims.
The Health Sciences Authority conducts post-market surveillance, including monitoring adverse event reports, tracking international safety issues, and testing products to address any quality or safety concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Higher Penalties for Misleading Claims in Advertisements of Health Products and Services

Melvin Yong asked if the Ministry of Health would increase penalties for false or misleading advertisements of health products and services to protect consumers.
The Ministry currently regulates such ads under the Health Products Act, with penalties up to a $20,000 fine, 12 months' imprisonment, or both.
Some health products like Chinese and Traditional Medicines fall under the Medicines Act, which has lower penalties of up to a $5,000 fine, two years' imprisonment, or both.
The Ministry plans to amend laws to move regulation of these medicines to the Health Products Act, applying the higher penalties.
The Ministry is also reviewing the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act to enhance regulation of health services advertisements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Measures to Ensure Security of Medical Records of SAF Personnel

Pritam Singh asked about measures to secure SAF personnel's medical records amid the integration of the PACES system with the National Electronic Health Record system.
Ng Eng Hen outlined that security focuses on confidentiality and preventing unauthorised access, with access limited to medical and HR staff on a need-to basis and tiered according to role.
The system is protected by cybersecurity tools, accessible only from designated terminals, and uses encryption and dedicated connections for sharing records with other medical institutions.
Regular audits, vulnerability testing, and monitoring are conducted to ensure compliance with standards and guard against cyber intrusions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Update on Review of MediSave Limit

Miss Cheryl Chan asked for an update on the review of the $400 MediSave withdrawal limit for chronic illnesses and long-term unsubsidised medication.
The $400 limit under the Chronic Disease Management Programme covers 19 chronic conditions and fully covers post-subsidy bills for most subsidised patients, with elderly patients able to access an additional $200 Flexi-MediSave.
Patients can tap on MediSave accounts of family members (up to $400 each per year) and apply for MediFund or the Medication Assistance Fund if needed.
The Ministry of Health will continue monitoring affordability and regularly review MediSave withdrawal limits.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Fee Collection during Post-health Screening Consultation at Polyclinics

Miss Cheryl Chan questioned why polyclinics charge a fee for post-health screening consultations and why this differs from general practitioner clinics.
The Minister explained that polyclinics do not charge for mailing normal results but require a fee for consultations where further evaluation, treatment, or management is needed, while GP clinics vary in charging practices.
The enhanced Screen For Life initiative will provide subsidies at GP clinics, allowing eligible Singaporeans to pay a single nominal fee for both screening and required follow-ups, with Pioneers paying nothing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Help for Women with Post-natal Depression

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked about the percentage of women developing post-natal depression, available subsidised resources, and whether free post-partum mental health screening and follow-up care will be made available for all Singaporean women.
A local study found about 12% of pregnant women experience depression antenatally and 7% postnatally, with obstetricians in both public and private sectors playing a key role in identifying symptoms.
Since 2007, NUH and KKH have provided free postnatal depression screening and early intervention, with multidisciplinary teams managing cases and offering antenatal talks and public awareness campaigns.
Women diagnosed with depression can receive subsidies for outpatient treatment at public institutions, use MediSave under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, and seek financial assistance from medical social workers if needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Findings of Incident at National Dental Centre where Unsterilised Instruments were Used on Patients

The National Dental Centre Singapore incident involved partially sterilised dental instruments being used on up to 72 patients due to human error and procedural weaknesses, with the risk of infection assessed as extremely low.
An investigation found that staff failed to complete the sterilisation process, and delays in detection and escalation by supervisors and management led to the instruments not being recalled promptly.
NDCS has implemented immediate corrective measures, including additional verification checks, clearer work instructions, and audits, while also strengthening standard operating procedures, documentation, and incident reporting frameworks.
Four staff, including supervisors and senior management, faced disciplinary actions such as warnings and financial penalties for lapses in vigilance and escalation, and the Ministry of Health is reviewing the case for potential regulatory actions.
The incident highlights the need for stronger infection control systems and a culture of vigilance across healthcare institutions, with lessons to be shared to improve patient safety and care standards.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Inter-Ministerial Committee to Enhance Outreach Efforts to Smokers on Smoking Hazards

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if there is an inter-Ministerial committee to enhance outreach efforts to educate smokers about smoking hazards.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that there is no formal inter-Ministerial committee, but the Ministry of Health collaborates with agencies like the Health Promotion Board, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Defence on anti-smoking education and cessation programmes.
The Health Promotion Board runs initiatives such as school curriculum integration, student counselling, community and workplace roadshows, and the "I Quit" programme, reaching tens of thousands annually.
Graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging have been mandated since 2004 and are regularly updated to remain effective.
The government will continue to press on with anti-smoking public education and inter-agency collaboration where needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Proposal for Insurance Coverage for Mental Illnesses

Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health about the possibility of introducing insurance coverage for mental illnesses and the financial support available for patients who cannot work due to prolonged mental health conditions.
Gan Kim Yong stated that mental illnesses are already supported through MediShield Life coverage for inpatient psychiatric treatment, government subsidies for both inpatient and outpatient care, and the use of MediSave for outpatient treatment of conditions like depression and anxiety under the Chronic Disease Management Programme.
He added that patients facing financial difficulties can seek assistance through MediFund, ComCare, and early CPF withdrawals under the Medical Grounds Scheme, which provide support beyond medical treatment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Mitigation of Stress Levels amongst Healthcare Workers

Member K Thanaletchimi asked whether studies have been conducted or could be commissioned to assess stress levels among healthcare workers like nurses, allied health professionals, and doctors, and how the Ministry plans to use findings to mitigate stress.
Minister Gan Kim Yong replied that public healthcare clusters conduct surveys to gauge workplace stress, with common sources being fast-paced work, unreasonable patient demands, and personal issues, but detailed findings are not shared due to differing survey scales and staff profiles.
The Minister stated that survey findings are shared with relevant staff and used to develop employee support programmes such as mental health workshops, stress management sessions, and staff counselling, with some employers also providing dedicated helplines.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with the Healthcare Services Employees' Union to improve employee health and well-being in the workplace, using the survey insights to tailor support programmes without commissioning a new centralized study.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Jul 2017

Update on Telepharmacy Project

Seah Kian Peng inquired about the outcome of the telepharmacy project piloted in 1997 and whether video consultations could lower costs and improve convenience.
Gan Kim Yong stated that telepharmacy enhances productivity and convenience, is regulated by the Health Sciences Authority, and has expanded since 1997 to include prescription medicines and now serves 146 retail pharmacy outlets.
The Ministry of Health launched a Smart Health Video Consultation platform in 2017, enabling public healthcare institutions to provide telepharmacy services at hospitals like KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
The Health Sciences Authority plans to review regulations to adapt to technological changes and invites collaboration with providers to develop new telepharmacy solutions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Demand for Residential Homes for Elderly

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked if there have been studies on demand for residential homes for the elderly as an alternative to nursing homes and whether there are plans to build such homes, particularly for seniors living alone.
The Ministry of Health engaged over 4,000 Singaporeans from 2014 to 2015, finding that seniors prefer to age in place in their own homes, leading to initiatives like 2-room flexi flats and integrated care services.
MOH is working to co-locate nursing homes and eldercare facilities in new housing estates and expand day care and home care places by 2020, while piloting flexible care packages.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development has established Senior Cluster Networks, Senior Activity Centres, and Senior Group Homes to support frail and vulnerable seniors in the community as an alternative to nursing homes.
Both ministries will continue to review and provide a range of home and community-based services to help seniors age gracefully in familiar surroundings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Government Response to Recommendations in Health Insurance Task Force 2016 Report

Pritam Singh inquired whether the Ministry of Health has studied the 2016 Health Insurance Task Force report to control Integrated Shield Plan claims and premiums, and when a response would be provided.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed the ministry is reviewing the report's recommendations and engaging stakeholders like healthcare providers, insurers, and patients.
He emphasized that collaborative efforts from all parties are necessary to achieve a sustainable healthcare system in Singapore.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Contingency Plans in Event of Closure of Private Clinic Groups Providing Government-subsidised Primary Care

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked about private clinic groups that are considered "too big to fail" and their contingency plans for extended temporary closures or sales.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that no single private provider dominates the primary care market and outlined steps to ensure continuity of care, including patient referrals and support from MOH and polyclinics.
MOH is encouraging clinics to adopt the National Electronic Health Records system and requires clinics to keep proper records, with transfer applications needed 30 days before any sale or transfer to ensure care quality.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Current Average Waiting Times for Dental Service Appointments in Polyclinics

Low Thia Khiang asked about the current average waiting times for non-emergency and routine dental services at polyclinics and how they compare to five years ago.
Gan Kim Yong stated that waiting times for non-emergency dental treatment have decreased, from 6.4 months in 2013 to 5 months in 2016.
Lower- and middle-income patients eligible for CHAS can access dental services at over 700 participating clinics as an alternative.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Average Waiting Time for Scans for Suspected Cancer Patients at Government Hospitals

The Minister reported that over 95% of suspected cancer patients in public hospitals are given appointments within three weeks, with initial scans like CT or MRI typically scheduled within two weeks and urgent cases within two to three days.
For PET-CT scans, there is one machine each at Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital, with waiting times within a week for eligible cancer types such as lymphoma, lung, breast, and skin cancers.
The risk of cancer metastasising during a typical waiting period of up to three weeks is considered very low for most cancers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Measures for Early Diagnostics and Treatment to Reduce Need for Hospital Admissions

The Ministry of Health is working with healthcare providers to enable quick treatment in Accident and Emergency departments and send home patients with less serious conditions, while expanding outpatient and day surgery procedures.
Primary care is being strengthened to manage non-emergency conditions closer to home, with early diagnostics, minor treatments, and referral protocols to connect patients to hospital-based tests when needed.
Community-based healthy living and disease screening programmes are promoted to facilitate early detection and management of chronic diseases and selected cancers.
These measures aim to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, free up bed space, and improve patient well-being while supporting the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

8 May 2017

Plans for Human Milk Bank

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for Health to provide more details about the planned human milk bank.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed the milk bank is still in the planning stages.
The initiative is a partnership between Temasek Foundation Cares and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The milk bank is funded by Temasek Foundation Cares.
Further details will be shared later this year once plans are finalised.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source